roosevelt

roosevelt — noun

1. the family name of a prominent American political family that produced two US pr

1.nounB1
Definition

the family name of a prominent American political family that produced two US presidents (Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt) and a well-known first lady and human rights advocate (Eleanor Roosevelt); the name appears in discussions of American history, politics, and the New Deal era.

Example

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only US president elected to four terms in office.

proper noun as subject in historical context

Theodore Roosevelt led the Rough Riders before he became president in 1901.

mention of a different Roosevelt for disambiguation

Common collocations
  • Roosevelt administration
  • Roosevelt era
  • Roosevelt family
  • Roosevelt's New Deal
  • President Roosevelt

Usage Note

This is a proper noun (surname). When used alone without a first name, context usually determines which Roosevelt is meant — often Franklin D. Roosevelt (the 32nd president) in US historical discussion. Theodore Roosevelt (the 26th president) and Eleanor Roosevelt (the former first lady and UN delegate) are also frequently referenced by surname alone in appropriate contexts.

Word family

  • Rooseveltian
    adjectiveC1

Etymology

DutchEnglish

Roosevelt is a Dutch-origin surname, from the town of Roosevelt (earlier Rosenvelt) in the Netherlands, meaning 'rose field' (roos 'rose' + veld 'field'). The family emigrated to New Amsterdam (later New York) in the 17th century. Two branches — the Oyster Bay Roosevelts (Theodore's line) and the Hyde Park Roosevelts (Franklin's line) — produced two US presidents and numerous public figures.