noun

yeoman

YOH-muhn

noun

Historically, a farmer who owned and worked his own modest plot of land, ranking as a respectable commoner.

"The yeoman farmers of the region formed the backbone of the local militia."

A dependable, hardworking person who does solid, unglamorous service — often in the phrase "yeoman's work" or "yeoman service".

"The volunteers did yeoman's work clearing debris after the storm."

A ceremonial attendant to the British monarch, as in "Yeoman of the Guard".

"The Yeomen of the Guard still wear their traditional Tudor uniforms at state occasions."

How to Use Yeoman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHistorically a small independent farmer; today mostly used to praise steady, reliable hard work ("yeoman's service").

Common pairings

yeoman's work yeoman service

Word Forms

yeomen plural, Yeomans plural

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The _____ farmers of the region formed the backbone of the local militia.

Etymology

Of disputed origin — possibly from an Old English compound meaning roughly "district man" (a man attached to a local area), or possibly a worn-down form of "young man".

Rhymes for yeoman

Oman woman roman Loman ottoman madwoman catwoman saleswoman chairwoman policewoman councilwoman businesswoman

See all rhymes for yeoman →