philanderer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, literary; often used in disapproving or judgemental contexts. Less common in casual everyday speech, where terms like 'player' or 'womanizer' might be used.
Quick answer
What does “philanderer” mean?
A man who has many casual sexual relationships with women, often while pretending to be in love or committed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man who has many casual sexual relationships with women, often while pretending to be in love or committed; a man who flirts with and pursues women habitually and insincerely.
The term can be used more broadly, though less commonly, to describe someone who engages in frivolous or unserious intellectual or creative pursuits without commitment. Historically, it derives from a male name used generically for a lover.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both variants. The word is understood and used in both, perhaps with a slightly more literary feel in modern American English.
Connotations
Equally negative in both regions. It may sound slightly old-fashioned or formal to younger speakers in both the UK and US.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in UK written English (novels, journalism). In the US, 'womanizer' is a more common synonym in spoken language.
Grammar
How to Use “philanderer” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/was a philanderer.[Subject] behaved like a philanderer.[Subject] gained a reputation as a philanderer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “philanderer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rumours suggested he had been philandering for years.
- The MP was forced to resign after he was caught philandering with his secretary.
American English
- He spent his youth philandering around Europe.
- The senator denied philandering during his campaign.
adverb
British English
- (Rare. 'Philanderingly' is non-standard. Use phrases like 'in a philandering manner'.)
American English
- (Rare. No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- His philandering ways were an open secret in the village. (philandering as a participial adjective)
- She grew tired of her husband's philandering behaviour.
American English
- The governor's philandering habits eventually cost him the election.
- He had a long, philandering past.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use for a company that pursues many fleeting partnerships without commitment: 'The firm was a corporate philanderer, jumping from one joint venture to another.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical biography, gender studies, and sociology to describe character traits or social patterns.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual chat. Used when discussing someone's untrustworthy character in relationships, often with a tone of gossip or condemnation.
Technical
Not a technical term in psychology/psychiatry, though related to concepts like hypersexuality or infidelity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “philanderer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “philanderer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “philanderer”
- Using it to refer to a woman (use 'philanderess' is extremely rare/archaic). Using it for a single act of infidelity. Confusing it with 'philanthropist'. Spelling: 'philanderer' not 'philanderder'.
- Incorrect: 'She is a philanderer.' Correct: 'He is a philanderer.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the term is strongly and traditionally gendered male. While language evolves, using it for a woman would be atypical and confusing. Terms like 'seductress', 'coquette', or modern slang are used for women with similar behavior.
'Philanderer' often implies more secrecy, deception, and a potential breach of commitment (like within a marriage). 'Womanizer' is more straightforward about the pursuit of many women and might be used more broadly in modern spoken English.
It is a strongly judgmental and disapproving term. It is offensive to label someone with it, as it accuses them of being deceitful and unserious in relationships.
To 'philander'. Example: 'He spent his inheritance philandering across the continent.'
A man who has many casual sexual relationships with women, often while pretending to be in love or committed.
Philanderer is usually formal, literary; often used in disapproving or judgemental contexts. less common in casual everyday speech, where terms like 'player' or 'womanizer' might be used. in register.
Philanderer: in British English it is pronounced /fɪˈlændərə/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˈlændərər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's got a wife in every port. (related concept)”
- “He plays the field. (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Phil' (a common man's name) + 'ander' (sounds like 'meander' or wander). A 'Phil-anderer' is a man who wanders from one woman to another.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/SEX IS A GAME (he's a 'player'); COMMITMENT IS A BOND (he is unbound/unfettered); WOMEN ARE CONQUESTS/TERRITORIES (he 'philanders').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of a philanderer?