hillary

hillary — noun

1. Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (1919–2008), a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer

1.nounB1
Definition

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary (1919–2008), a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer remembered as one of the first two people confirmed to have climbed to the top of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, in 1953 alongside Tenzing Norgay.

Example

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest in 1953.

name paired with Tenzing Norgay in historical context

Nepal named a section of the airport after Sir Edmund Hillary for his work in the region.

named after [person] for [contribution]

Common collocations
  • Sir Edmund Hillary
  • Hillary and Tenzing
  • Hillary's expedition
  • Hillary's account

Usage Note

In English, 'Hillary' alone usually refers to Sir Edmund Hillary when the topic is mountaineering or exploration. His surname is commonly paired with 'Tenzing Norgay' or 'Everest' in historical references. 'Sir Edmund Hillary' is the respectful full form; 'Hillary' alone is acceptable in informal or narrative contexts.

Common Mistakes

Hillary climbed Mount Everest alone in 1953.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed Mount Everest together in 1953.
Tenzing Norgay was his climbing partner; Hillary did not reach the summit alone.

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The surname 'Hillary' is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name 'Hilary', which comes from the Latin 'hilaris' meaning 'cheerful' or 'joyful'. It was used as a surname in England by the 13th century. The name entered global recognition through Sir Edmund Hillary's historic 1953 Everest ascent.