Hamptons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of affluent seaside communities on Long Island, New York, known for luxurious homes, beaches, and as a popular summer getaway for wealthy individuals
2. A collection of upscale villages and towns located on the eastern end of Long Island characterized by exclusive resorts, high-end real estate, and cultural events
3. A prominent vacation destination in the northeast United States featuring sandy shorelines, affluent residents, and a reputation for celebrity visitors and summer retreats

Etymology: The Hamptons take their name from the shared ending of their town names, as "Southampton," "East Hampton," "Westhampton" and "Bridgehampton" all end in "-hampton." That ending is the English name "Hampton," itself a common place name formed from Old English elements, and the group's identity comes from the suffix rather than from any single founding town. The word "Hamptons" is simply the plural that gathers these communities together. The name began with Southampton, the first of the towns to be named. Its origin is uncertain: it may honor Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, a patron of the English colonial enterprise, or it may reflect the fact that many early settlers came from Southampton, England, the port town on the south coast. Either way, the English namesake gave the American towns their pattern, and the Long Island communities were all later named after it.

Synonyms: Hamptons