Gallantry means brave and noble behavior, especially when facing danger or difficulty. When a firefighter rushes into a burning building to save someone, that's gallantry. When a soldier shows courage protecting others in battle, people honor their gallantry.

The word often describes actions that combine bravery with honor and selflessness. A student showing gallantry might stand up for a classmate being bullied, even knowing they might get teased too. A ship captain demonstrating gallantry stays aboard to help passengers escape before saving herself.

Gallantry also has an older meaning: polite and attentive behavior toward women, like holding doors open or offering to carry heavy bags. This kind of gallantry was once considered essential for gentlemen, though today we recognize that courtesy and helpfulness should flow in all directions, regardless of gender.

When someone receives a medal for gallantry, it recognizes courage combined with honor and concern for others. True gallantry means doing the right thing even when it's hard, dangerous, or costs you something.