noun
Common
Disney
DIHZ-nee
Disney (noun) means a surname of Old French origin, most famous as the name of animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney. Example: “The Disney family name later became one of the most recognized brands in entertainment.”
noun
1
A surname of Old French origin, most famous as the name of animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney.
"The Disney family name later became one of the most recognized brands in entertainment."
2
Short for the Walt Disney Company or its theme parks, used informally.
"The kids have been begging to go to Disney for their birthday."
How to use Disney
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly used today as shorthand for the Walt Disney Company or its parks, rather than as an everyday surname.
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The _____ family name later became one of the most recognized brands in entertainment.
Etymology
An English surname of Norman French origin, ultimately traced to a place name in Normandy; it became world-famous through animator and studio founder Walt Disney.
Rhymes for Disney
See all rhymes for Disney →Frequently asked questions
What does “Disney” mean?
The word “Disney” means a surname of Old French origin, most famous as the name of animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney. In plain terms, most commonly used today as shorthand for the Walt Disney Company or its parks, rather than as an everyday surname.
How do you pronounce “Disney”?
“Disney” is pronounced DIHZ-nee (/ˈdɪzni/ in IPA).
How do you use “Disney” in a sentence?
Here is “Disney” used in a sentence: “The Disney family name later became one of the most recognized brands in entertainment.”
What part of speech is “Disney”?
“Disney” is a noun.
Where does the word “Disney” come from?
The word “Disney” comes from French. An English surname of Norman French origin, ultimately traced to a place name in Normandy; it became world-famous through animator and studio founder Walt Disney.
Is “Disney” a common word?
“Disney” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Disney” have?
“Disney” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a surname of Old French origin, most famous as the name of animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney.
Should Disney be capitalized?
Yes, Disney is always capitalized because it is a proper noun: a surname and the name of a company. Write Disney with a capital D whether you are referring to the surname, the Walt Disney Company, or its films and theme parks.
What does Disney refer to when used on its own?
Used informally on its own, Disney is short for the Walt Disney Company, its films, or its theme parks, as in we're going to Disney this summer. Context usually makes clear whether the speaker means the company, its movies, or a park visit.
Is Disney a surname?
Yes, Disney is a surname of Old French origin, most famous as the family name of the animator and entrepreneur Walt Disney. The company he co-founded took the surname, which is why the name now refers to the business and its parks as well.
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