boyhood
UK: ˈbɔɪhʊd | US: ˈbɔɪhʊd
n. the state or period of being a boy
n. the qualities or characteristics associated with boyhood
The word "boyhood" combines "boy," derived from Middle English "boi" (meaning a young male), and the suffix "-hood," from Old English "-hād," denoting a state, condition, or quality. The suffix "-hood" is akin to German "-heit" and shares roots with the word "state" or "character." Together, "boyhood" literally means "the state of being a boy," reflecting a developmental stage or the collective traits of boyhood.
His boyhood was spent exploring the woods near his home.
She wrote a memoir about her brother’s adventurous boyhood.
The novel captures the innocence and curiosity of boyhood.
Many of his boyhood friends remained close to him in adulthood.
The painting depicts a nostalgic scene of rural boyhood.