What does "bohemian" mean?
A person, especially an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional or nonconformist lifestyle.
Bohemian
/boʊˈhimi.ən/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person, especially an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional or nonconformist lifestyle.
- Grammar: bohemian is listed as adj, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: affable, arab, artist, beat.
- Useful contrasts: preppy, conformist, conventional.
- Usage evidence: Come with us to the Bohemian forests!
How to use "bohemian"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "bohemian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "bohemian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "bohemian" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "bohemian" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "bohemian" is acting as adj, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "affable" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "bohemian", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person, especially an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional or nonconformist lifestyle.
"Burlington, where Mr. Twitchell grew up and where he now spends summers, was singled out by David Brooks in his wickedly funny “Bobos in Paradise” as a model Latte Town, a city that has perfectly reconciled the mercenary instincts of the bourgeoisie with the artistic spirit of the bohemians to create an upscale consumer culture."
- 2 A native or resident of Bohemia.
- 3 a nonconformist writer or artist who lives an unconventional life wordnet
- 4 A Gypsy, a Romani. archaic
- 5 a native or inhabitant of Bohemia in the Czech Republic wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Alternative letter-case form of bohemian; someone known for flouting social conventions, especially someone involved in the arts. alt-of
- 7 a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak Romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling; they are believed to have originated in northern India but now are living on all continents (but mostly in Europe, North Africa, and North America) wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Unconventional, especially in habit or dress.
"2001, Baz Luhrmann, Craig Pearce (scriptwriters), Moulin Rouge!, Please tell me you're not one of Toulouse's oh-so-talented, charmingly bohemian, tragically impoverished protégés!"
- 2 Of, or relating to Bohemia or its language. not-comparable
"He observed, that the Bohemian language was true Sclavonick."
- 3 Alternative letter-case form of bohemian; unconventional in habit or dress. alt-of, not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 unconventional in especially appearance and behavior wordnet
- 2 of or relating to Bohemia or its language or people wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 The Czech language. historical
Example
"Come with us to the Bohemian forests!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "bohemian"?
Common synonyms include: affable, arab, artist, beat, beatnik, beatniks.
How do you use "bohemian" in a sentence?
Come with us to the Bohemian forests!
How do you pronounce "bohemian"?
Pronounced /boʊˈhimi.ən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from French bohémien (“person from Bohemia”), from Bohême (“Bohemia”), equivalent to Bohemia + -an.
Etymology 2
From Bohemia + -ian. In sense of Romani and by association, marginalized artists, from French bohémien (“person from Bohemia, Romani”), from Bohême (“Bohemia”). Regarding the sense evolution, compare gypsy.