presley

presley — noun

1. the surname of Elvis Presley (1935–1977), the American singer who played a centr

1.nounA2
Definition

the surname of Elvis Presley (1935–1977), the American singer who played a central role in making rock and roll music popular around the world.

Example

Elvis Presley recorded hundreds of songs over a career that lasted about twenty years.

full name 'Elvis Presley' used as subject

Tomás played a Presley album while cooking dinner for his friends.

possessive 'Presley album' (music by Presley)

Usage Note

Always capitalised as a proper noun. In everyday conversation, the full name 'Elvis Presley' is more common than the surname alone.

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The surname Presley comes from an Old English place name made up of 'preost' (priest) and 'leah' (woodland or clearing) — meaning 'priest's woodland'. It became famous worldwide through Elvis Presley, the American singer.