If you say that a girl is a tomboy, you mean that she likes doing things that are traditionally considered to be things that boys enjoy.
tomboy in British English
(ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ)
noun
a girl who acts or dresses in a boyish way, liking rough outdoor activities
Derived forms
tomboyish (ˈtomˌboyish)
adjective
tomboyishly (ˈtomˌboyishly)
adverb
tomboyishness (ˈtomˌboyishness)
noun
tomboy in American English
(ˈtɑmˌbɔɪ)
noun
a girl who behaves or plays like an active boy; hoyden
Derived forms
tomboyish (ˈtomˌboyish)
adjective
tomboyishly (ˈtomˌboyishly)
adverb
tomboyishness (ˈtomˌboyishness)
noun
Word origin
see Tom
Examples of 'tomboy' in a sentence
tomboy
In many ways she was a real tomboy and the teachers loved her.
The Sun (2010)
She is like her dad in that she loves football - a real little tomboy.
The Sun (2016)
I think she's always been a bit of a tomboy at heart.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He is irresistible to the fugitive tomboy: 'I like him!
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
She said: 'I was a real tomboy.
The Sun (2012)
She recalled: 'I was a real tomboy at school.
The Sun (2013)
I like to mix tomboy pieces with vintage, and high-end with high street.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
tomboy
British English: tomboy /ˈtɒmˌbɔɪ/ NOUN
If you say that a girl is a tomboy, you mean that she likes playing rough or noisy games, or doing things that were considered to be things that boys enjoy.