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benjamin. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
benjamin, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
benjamin in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
benjamin you have here. The definition of the word
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benjamin, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈbɛnd͡ʒəmɪn/
- Hyphenation: ben‧ja‧min
Etymology 1
From benzoin, modified by folk etymology to match the name Benjamin.
Noun
benjamin (countable and uncountable, plural benjamins)
- A balsamic resin from the bark of Styrax trees used in perfumes, incense, and medicine; benzoin resin.
- A type of tree which produces benzoin or has similar properties; specifically, Styrax benzoin, Lindera benzoin a Benjamin bush.
See also
Etymology 2
Noun
benjamin (plural benjamins)
- (UK, slang, dated) A kind of upper coat for men.
1826, The Atheneum, volume 18, page 236:something which is not long enough to constitute a benjamin, and too long for a dress coat or spencer
1847 January – 1848 July, William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair , London: Bradbury and Evans , published 1848, →OCLC:How the young man from Cambridge sulkily put his five great-coats in front; but was reconciled when little Miss Sharp was made to quit the carriage, and mount up beside him—when he covered her up in one of his Benjamins, and became perfectly good-humoured—
Etymology 3
From the image of Benjamin Franklin on the US $100 bill.
Noun
benjamin (plural benjamins)
- (US, slang) Alternative letter-case form of Benjamin: a US $100 bill.
French
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
From the biblical character Benjamin.
Noun
benjamin m (plural benjamins, feminine benjamine)
- youngest child (in a family)
- child loved disproportionally more by the parents in a family
- (sports) One of the age classes for children; varies by sport
Etymology 2
After French Scrabble player Benjamin Hannuna.
Noun
benjamin m (plural benjamins)
- (Scrabble) a three-letter addition to the beginning of a word that creates another valid word, especially one that reaches a "triple word score" square
Further reading
Romanian
Etymology
Borrowed from French benjamin.
Noun
benjamin m (plural benjamini)
- youngest child (in a family)
Declension