Bohemian

noun

Bo·​he·​mi·​an bō-ˈhē-mē-ən How to pronounce Bohemian (audio)
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Bohemia
b
: the group of Czech dialects used in Bohemia
2
or bohemian
a
: a person (such as a writer or an artist) living an unconventional life usually in a colony with others
b
: vagabond, wanderer
especially : romani
bohemian adjective
or Bohemian

Word History

Etymology

see bohemia

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bohemian was in 1555

Phrases Containing Bohemian

Browse Nearby Words

Bohemia
Bohemian
Bohemian bole
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bohemian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bohemian. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Bohemian

noun
Bo·​he·​mi·​an bō-ˈhē-mē-ən How to pronounce Bohemian (audio)
1
a
: a person born or living in Bohemia
b
: the Czech dialects used in Bohemia
2
often not capitalized
a
: vagabond entry 2, wanderer
b
: a person (as an artist or writer) who does not have a typical lifestyle
bohemian adjective often capitalized
bohemianism
-mē-ə-ˌniz-əm
noun often capitalized
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