choirboy

Everyday

1. (church) A boy who sings in a church or cathedral choir, usually wearing robes. tree →
2. (informal) A person who looks very innocent and well-behaved, often said jokingly («he's no choirboy»). tree →

In the lessons

In church life and music lessons, choirboys sing high parts (treble) in cathedrals such as St Paul's or King's College, Cambridge, especially at Christmas services. In stories and everyday talk, «he looks like a choirboy» means he looks innocent, sometimes when he is not. Phrases: «cathedral choirboy», «no choirboy».

Examples

• The choirboys sang carols at the cathedral on Christmas Eve. tree →
• My cousin became a choirboy at eight and practises every week. tree →
• The choirboy's voice rose high above the organ. tree →
• Choirboys often wear white robes over red cassocks. tree →
• He may look like a choirboy, but he's the cheekiest kid in class. tree →
• When his voice broke, he stopped being a choirboy. tree →

Note

Countable: a choirboy, choirboys. Girls sing in choirs too: «choirgirl» or «chorister» (for both). «Choir» is said «KWY-er». The informal sense «no choirboy» means someone is not as good as they seem.