nixon

nixon — biographical name

1. Richard Milhous Nixon (1913–1994) served as America's 37th president (1969–74) a

1.biographical nameB1
Definition

Richard Milhous Nixon (1913–1994) served as America's 37th president (1969–74) and as vice president (1953–61). He is remembered for opening ties with China and for the Watergate scandal, which forced him to resign.

Example

Nixon resigned from the presidency in 1974 after the Watergate scandal.

historical reference: Watergate scandal context

The Nixon administration opened diplomatic relations with China in 1972.

collocation: Nixon administration

Common collocations
  • Nixon administration
  • Nixon era
  • Nixon White House
  • Nixon's resignation
  • Nixon's foreign policy

Usage Note

When referring to the period in office, the name is often used attributively (the Nixon era; the Nixon White House). For the person, the name stands alone (Nixon decided...).

Word family

  • Nixonian
    adjectiveC1

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Nixon is an English surname that originally meant 'son of Nick', from the medieval given name Nick, a short form of Nicholas. The name became widely known through Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States.