churchill

churchill — noun

1. Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965), the British politician and writer who served

1.nounB2
Definition

Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965), the British politician and writer who served as prime minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War and again in the early 1950s, known for his powerful speeches and leadership.

Example

Churchill gave his famous 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' speech in 1940.

proper noun with historical speech reference

In September 1940, Churchill visited London streets damaged by German bombs to encourage local families.

proper noun in concrete wartime scene with date and location

Common collocations
  • Churchill's leadership
  • Churchill's speech
  • Winston Churchill

Grammar Patterns

always capitalised

Usage Note

Always capitalised. Used without an article (zero article) except in constructions like 'a Churchill' meaning a leader of similar stature, which is very rare and informal.

Word family

  • Churchillian
    adjectiveC2

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The surname Churchill originates from a place-name in Somerset, England, combining Old English 'cyrice' (church) and 'hyll' (hill). Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965) gave the name its modern historical associations.