Niagara

English

Etymology

From an Iroquoian language; compare Mohawk ohnyá:kara' (“neck of land”). The name of the tribe which resided in the area was recorded on early maps as Onguiarahronon or Niagagarega.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /naɪˈæɡɹə/

Proper noun

Niagara

1. A river (the Niagara River) which flows from Lake Erie, over Niagara Falls into Lake Ontario; the geographical region of the United States and Canada in proximity to this river.
2. A ghost town in British Columbia, Canada.
3. A ghost town in Western Australia.
4. A town in New York state.
5. A city/village in North Dakota.
6. A city and town in Wisconsin.

Noun

Niagara (plural Niagaras)

1. (figuratively) A flood, torrent, or outpouring, especially one of massive proportions.
   • 1896, H. G. Wells, chapter 37, in The Wheels of Chance:

     "We're gaining," said Mr. Hoopdriver, with a little Niagara of perspiration dropping from brow to cheek.

   • 1909, Ralph Henry Barbour, chapter 23, in The Half-Back:

     It was useless to try and drown that Niagara of sound.

2. A Niagara grape.
   • 1950, Peter John Valaer, Wines of the world:

     The basic material for sherry is a mixture or a blend of dry wines from Niagaras, Delawares, and Catawbas or other white juices, which are sweetened and fortified and then blended with California sherry.

   • 2004, Dan Lynch, Hustlers, heroes and hooligans: reporting on the New York experience:

     During the past 25 years, New York wineries have moved away from Niagaras and Delawares and begun producing world-class wines from European grapes and specially cultured hybrids and varietals.

Synonyms

• deluge

See also

• Niagara County
• Niagara River
• Niagara Falls
• Niagara grape