benjamin

See also: Benjamin, benjamín, Benjamín, Benjámin, and Benjamîn

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɛnd͡ʒəmɪn/

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: ben‧ja‧min

Etymology 1

From benzoin, modified by folk etymology to match the name Benjamin.

Noun

benjamin (countable and uncountable, plural benjamins)

1. A balsamic resin from the bark of Styrax trees used in perfumes, incense, and medicine; benzoin resin.
2. A type of tree which produces benzoin or has similar properties; specifically, , Lindera benzoin, or ; a Benjamin bush.
3. (UK, informal, 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

See also

• Benjamin tree on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Etymology 2

From the image of Benjamin Franklin on the US $100 bill.

Noun

benjamin (plural benjamins)

1. (US, slang) Alternative form of Benjamin: a US $100 bill.

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French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bɛ̃.ʒa.mɛ̃/

Etymology 1

From the biblical character Benjamin.

Noun

benjamin m (plural benjamins, feminine benjamine)

1. youngest child (in a family)
2. child loved disproportionally more by the parents in a family
3. (sports) One of the age classes for children; varies by sport.

Etymology 2

After French Scrabble player Benjamin Hannuna.

Noun

benjamin m (plural benjamins)

1. (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

• “benjamin”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.