1. plural of houseboy; male domestic servants or young men employed to do household work, especially in colonial or historical contexts in Africa and Asia.
Usage: often historical or dated; may carry colonial connotations

Examples

• The colonial household employed several houseboys to manage daily chores.
• In the early 20th century, houseboys were common in wealthy European households abroad.
• The houseboys were responsible for cleaning, cooking, and maintaining the estate.
• Historical records document the lives and working conditions of houseboys in colonial Africa.