Guggenheims

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prestigious grant given to scholars, scientists, and artists so they can pursue research or creative projects for a set period
2. A fellowship award, funded by the Guggenheim foundation, that supports advanced study or artistic work by recipients chosen on merit
3. Money awarded to accomplished people in fields like the arts and sciences to fund independent research or creative production

Etymology: Simon Guggenheim, an American mining and metals magnate, set up a memorial foundation in honour of his son, John Simon Guggenheim, after the young man's death. Its fellowships, awarded to scholars, writers and artists for independent work, became so closely tied to the family name that the surname came to stand for the award itself. "Guggenheims" is the plural of "guggenheim", a noun formed by metonymy from the foundation's name. It refers to the fellowships themselves, so the plural means several of these awards, or the awards in general.