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gadabout

noun
gad·​about | \ ˈga-də-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce gadabout (audio) \

Definition of gadabout

: a person who flits about in social activity
Other Words from gadabout Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about gadabout

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Other Words from gadabout

gadabout adjective

Did You Know?

If you had to pick the insect most closely related to a gadabout, you might wryly guess the "social butterfly." But there's another bug that's commonly heard buzzing around discussions of gadabout-the gadfly. Gadfly is a term used for any of a number of winged pests (such as horseflies) that bite or annoy livestock. Since gadflies are known for their nasty bite, it's not surprising that they are named after a sharp chisel or pointed bar used by miners to loosen rock and ore called a gad. But, although a gadabout's gossip can bite, gadfly doesn’t have any clear etymological relation to gadabout, which traces back to the Middle English verb gadden, meaning "to wander without a specific aim or purpose."

Examples of gadabout in a Sentence

she was a thoughtful gadabout, always picking up souvenirs for her friends from wherever her travels took her

First Known Use of gadabout

1757, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gadabout

from the verb phrase gad about, from gad entry 2

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More Definitions for gadabout

gadabout

noun
How to pronounce gadabout (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of gadabout

sometimes disapproving : a person who goes to many places and social events for pleasure

See the full definition for gadabout in the English Language Learners Dictionary

gadabout

noun
gad·​about | \ ˈga-də-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce gadabout (audio) \

Kids Definition of gadabout

: a person who goes to many different places for enjoyment

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