Hillary

Part of speech: proper noun

Definitions

  1. A proper noun referring primarily to a well-known female political figure from the United States notable for her roles as a former First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State; sometimes used as a personal given name; can also identify places or landmarks named after such individuals
  2. A designation most commonly associated with a prominent American woman involved in national politics and public service, frequently recognized as a candidate for the presidency; occasionally serves as a first name for females; may denote geographical sites bearing the same appellation
  3. A name chiefly connected to a distinguished female politician from the U.S. who has held various high-profile government positions and run for office at the highest level; also employed as a female given name; used in naming certain locations or entities linked to her legacy

Etymology: Hillary is a given name whose roots lie in a Latin word for cheerfulness. It comes from "Hilarius" or "Hilaria," Latin names built on "hilare," meaning "cheerfully," the same root that gave English "hilarious." The name thus carries a sense of gladness in its very sound, a wish for a merry or joyful bearer. The name was given to both men and women across centuries, and it is now chiefly used for girls in English-speaking countries. Its most famous modern bearer, the American politician and public servant Hillary Clinton, has made the name widely known, and it is also a placename for several geographical sites that share the same appellation.

Synonyms: Hillary Clinton, hill