bachelor
/ˈbætʃələr/
NOUN
1. An unmarried man
A man who has never been married and is generally considered eligible for marriage.
1.1. Unmarried men and single status
Used to describe a man who is not married, particularly one who is legally and socially eligible to marry and may be interested in finding a partner.
Synonyms
- single
- unmarried man
- celibate
- stag
- single person
- unattached man
- available man
Antonyms
Examples
- After years of traveling, he decided to embrace the bachelor lifestyle and live independently.
- The charismatic bachelor charmed everyone at the party with his witty conversation and infectious laughter.
- The eligible bachelor caught the attention of many admirers at the social event.
- While his friends settled down, he continued to enjoy his carefree bachelor years.
Related Words
- bachelorhood
- singleness
- marriage
- courtship
- engagement
- wedding
- bachelorette
- spinster
- single life
1.2. Independent living and bachelor lifestyle
Used to describe an unmarried man in relation to his independent lifestyle, particularly someone who lives alone and enjoys the freedom of managing his own household.
Synonyms
- single man
- unmarried man
- single
- unattached man
Antonyms
- husband
- married man
- spouse
Examples
- The young bachelor enjoyed the freedom of living alone in his spacious city apartment.
- He furnished his bachelor pad with modern furniture and entertainment equipment.
- After his divorce, he returned to the bachelor lifestyle and lived independently.
Related Words
- bachelor pad
- bachelor apartment
- independence
- solitude
- singlehood
- household
- bachelor life
NOUN
2. A person who holds a bachelor's degree
A person who has successfully completed an undergraduate course of study at a college or university and received a bachelor's degree.
2.1. University graduates and academic qualifications
Used to identify someone who has earned a first-level university degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, after completing an undergraduate program.
Synonyms
- graduate
- degree holder
- baccalaureate
- baccalaureate holder
- licentiate
Antonyms
- undergraduate
- non-graduate
Examples
- She is a bachelor of science with a specialization in computer science.
- The company prefers applicants who are bachelors in engineering or related fields.
- After completing four years of university, he became a bachelor of arts.
Related Words
- bachelor's degree
- undergraduate degree
- university
- college
- alumnus
- alumna
- academic qualification
- higher education
- postgraduate
NOUN
3. A bachelor's degree
The first academic degree awarded by a university or college after completing an undergraduate program of study.
3.1. Undergraduate degrees and academic awards
Refers to an undergraduate academic qualification awarded upon successful completion of a prescribed course of university-level study, typically lasting three to four years depending on the educational system.
Synonyms
- baccalaureate
- undergraduate degree
- first degree
- college degree
Examples
- He earned his bachelor in business administration after completing his university studies.
- A bachelor in computer science can provide a foundation for a career in software development.
- She decided to pursue a bachelor before continuing with postgraduate education.
Related Words
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- bachelor's diploma
- master's degree
- doctorate
- graduate studies
- university
- higher education
NOUN
4. A knight of the lowest rank
A knight who held the lowest rank in the medieval English order of knighthood and served under the standard of another knight or noble rather than commanding his own banner.
4.1. Medieval knighthood and military service
Refers to a knight bachelor, a historical rank of knight who did not possess the right to lead a separate military banner and instead served under a higher-ranking noble or commander.
Synonyms
- knight bachelor
- bachelor-at-arms
- knight
Examples
- The young bachelor served under the banner of a more powerful medieval lord.
- The historical account described the duties of a knight bachelor in medieval England.
- Unlike a knight banneret, the bachelor did not command a separate military standard.
Related Words
- knighthood
- chivalry
- medieval
- nobility
- banneret
- knight banneret
- feudalism
- heraldry
- squire
NOUN
5. An unmarried woman
An unmarried woman, particularly in historical or specialized usage, although the word is now overwhelmingly associated with unmarried men.
5.1. Unmarried women and historical usage
An uncommon historical or specialized use referring to a woman who has not married. In modern English, bachelorette or spinster is generally more appropriate.
Synonyms
- bachelorette
- spinster
- maiden
- single woman
Antonyms
- wife
- bride
- married woman
Examples
- The historical document used bachelor to refer to an unmarried woman.
- In older usage, the term bachelor could occasionally describe a woman who had never married.
Related Words
- singleness
- unmarried
- marriage
- courtship
- bachelorhood
- singlehood
NOUN
6. A junior member of a trade guild
A junior or provisional member of a London trade organization who had not yet obtained the full membership privileges associated with wearing the guild's official livery.
6.1. Historical trade guild membership
Used in historical references to London trade organizations for a junior member who had not yet attained the status or privileges of a fully recognized livery member.
Synonyms
- junior member
- probationer
- apprentice
Examples
- The young bachelor had not yet been admitted to wear the livery of the London trade company.
- Historical records distinguished junior bachelors from fully established members of the guild.
Related Words
- guild
- livery
- tradesman
- membership
- apprenticeship
- freeman
- craft
- trade association
NOUN
7. A freshwater fish
A freshwater fish known as the white crappie, scientifically classified as Pomoxis annularis, found primarily in the southern and central United States.
7.1. Freshwater fish and fishing
Used regionally as a common name for the white crappie, an edible freshwater fish belonging to the sunfish family and commonly found in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
Synonyms
- white crappie
- crappie
- sac-a-lait
Examples
- The local fishermen caught several bachelors in the freshwater lake.
- The bachelor is valued as an edible fish in parts of the southern United States.
- Anglers often search for white crappie in lakes and reservoirs.
Related Words
- Pomoxis annularis
- black crappie
- sunfish
- freshwater fish
- panfish
- angling
- fishing
- reservoir