gentleperson

Gentleperson is a gender-neutral term used to refer to a courteous, well-mannered adult. It serves as an inclusive counterpart to the traditional term gentleman, which historically referred to a man of social status who behaved with civility. The form gentleperson is part of a broader trend in English to create gender-neutral equivalents by replacing gendered nouns with -person or other neutral endings.

Linguistically, gentleperson combines the adjective gentle with the noun person, following patterns such as spokesperson or chairperson. The word is relatively rare in everyday speech but appears in formal writing, etiquette guidance, and some institutions that seek inclusive language. It may be encountered in ceremonial or official contexts where gender neutrality is prioritized.

Usage and reception vary. In some organizations and style guides, gentleperson is presented as a respectful, inclusive option. In others, it is considered awkward or overly formal, and writers may prefer alternatives such as person, individual, or gender-neutral roles like spokesperson, chairperson, or chair. In many legislative bodies, traditional gendered forms—gentleman or gentlewoman—remain common, though attempts to adopt neutral language have occurred in certain jurisdictions.

See also: Gentleman; Gentlewoman; Spokesperson; Chairperson; Inclusive language.