Hamilton
Hamilton (noun) means a common surname of Scottish origin, also used as a male given name; also the name of several cities and towns around the world, most famously in New Zealand, Ontario (Canada), and Bermuda. Example: “Her grandfather, Mr. Hamilton, moved to Hamilton, New Zealand as a young man.”
How to use Hamilton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly a surname/place name; casually it can also mean a ten-dollar bill.
Word forms
Hamiltons plural, Hamiltons plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her grandfather, Mr. _____, moved to Hamilton, New Zealand as a young man.
Etymology
The surname comes from an Old English place name meaning roughly "flat-topped hill," originally a manor in Leicestershire. The many towns and cities called Hamilton around the world were mostly named after settlers or officials who carried the surname, including Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, whose face gives the ten-dollar bill its nickname.
Rhymes for Hamilton
See all rhymes for Hamilton →Frequently asked questions
What does “Hamilton” mean?
The word “Hamilton” means a common surname of Scottish origin, also used as a male given name; also the name of several cities and towns around the world, most famously in New Zealand, Ontario (Canada), and Bermuda. In plain terms, mostly a surname/place name; casually it can also mean a ten-dollar bill.
How do you pronounce “Hamilton”?
“Hamilton” is pronounced HA-mihl-tuhn (/ˈhæmɪltən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Hamilton” in a sentence?
Here is “Hamilton” used in a sentence: “Her grandfather, Mr. Hamilton, moved to Hamilton, New Zealand as a young man.”
What part of speech is “Hamilton”?
“Hamilton” is a noun.
Where does the word “Hamilton” come from?
The word “Hamilton” comes from Old English.
Is “Hamilton” a common word?
“Hamilton” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Hamilton” have?
“Hamilton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a common surname of Scottish origin, also used as a male given name; also the name of several cities and towns around the world, most famously in New Zealand, Ontario (Canada), and Bermuda.
Which city is called Hamilton?
Hamilton is the name of several places worldwide, most notably the largest city in New Zealand's Waikato region, a city in Ontario, Canada, and the capital of Bermuda. The context of the sentence usually makes clear which is meant.
Why is a ten-dollar bill called a 'Hamilton'?
In informal American slang, a 'Hamilton' means a ten-dollar bill because the note bears a portrait of Alexander Hamilton. This mirrors slang like 'Lincoln' for a five-dollar bill.
Is 'Hamilton' a first name or a surname?
Hamilton is primarily a surname of Scottish origin, but it is also used as a male given name. Because it works both ways, some people carry it as a first name and others as a last name.
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