chrysler

chrysler — noun

1. a well-known US brand of cars, minivans, and SUVs, first produced in 1925 by the

1.nounB1
Definition

a well-known US brand of cars, minivans, and SUVs, first produced in 1925 by the company that Walter Chrysler started; for many years it was one of the three biggest car manufacturers in the United States

Example

The mechanic checked the old Chrysler's engine and found a broken belt.

collocation: old Chrysler / Chrysler's engine

Chrysler used to be one of the three biggest car companies in America.

trademark used as brand name

Common collocations
  • Chrysler minivan
  • Chrysler sedan
  • old Chrysler
  • Chrysler engine

Usage Note

Chrysler is a trademark used as a brand name. It often appears with a vehicle type (Chrysler minivan, Chrysler sedan). In everyday speech, people sometimes shorten it to 'the Chrysler' when referring to a specific car.

2. Walter Percy Chrysler (1875–1940), an American businessman who started out as a

2.nounC1
Definition

Walter Percy Chrysler (1875–1940), an American businessman who started out as a railroad mechanic and later founded the Chrysler Corporation in 1925; the Chrysler Building in New York City was named after him

Example

Walter Chrysler began his career fixing locomotives before entering the car industry.

historical fact: started as a mechanic

The Chrysler Building in New York City was built during Walter Chrysler's lifetime.

collocation: Chrysler Building + proper name reference

Common collocations
  • Walter Chrysler
  • Chrysler Building
  • founder of Chrysler

Usage Note

When referring to the person rather than the brand, use the full name 'Walter Chrysler' or 'Walter P. Chrysler' on first mention. After that, 'Chrysler' alone is common in historical writing (e.g., 'Chrysler decided to name the building after himself').

Common Mistakes

I saw a Chrysler driving down the street' (when meaning the car brand but could be misunderstood as the person).
I saw a Chrysler car driving down the street.
add 'car' or a model name when the context does not make the meaning clear.

Etymology

GermanEnglish

The Chrysler car brand was named after its founder, Walter Chrysler. His surname is of German origin, brought to the United States by German-speaking immigrants in the 19th century. The company was founded in 1925 and the Chrysler Building in New York — built in 1930 — was also named after him.