Allen
Allen — noun
1. the American filmmaker, writer, and actor known for his distinctive style of wit
the American filmmaker, writer, and actor known for his distinctive style of witty, neurotic comedy and dramatic films about relationships, most notably Annie Hall and Manhattan
Femi's favourite director is Woody Allen, known for witty comedies.
full name Woody Allen; possessive + role construction
Renata suggested a Woody Allen film for its sharp humour.
The film club debated Woody Allen's impact on American cinema.
Woody Allen's film Annie Hall won four Academy Awards in 1978.
Usage Note
Woody Allen is a stage name; his birth name is Allen Stewart Konigsberg. In reviews and discussion, people often refer to 'a Woody Allen film' as shorthand for his characteristic style.
2. the city in northern Texas, located north of Dallas, that has grown rapidly as a
the city in northern Texas, located north of Dallas, that has grown rapidly as a suburban centre in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area
The Watanabe family moved to Allen, Texas, for its good schools.
place-name format: city, state
Tariq's company opened a new office in Allen, Texas.
Ziad checked the weather for Allen before driving from Dallas.
Many families choose Allen, Texas, for its safe neighbourhoods.
Usage Note
When used as a place name within a sentence, the city name is typically followed by the state name — 'Allen, Texas' — especially in writing. Do not use the article 'the' before it.
3. the American soldier and politician who led a volunteer militia known as the Gre
the American soldier and politician who led a volunteer militia known as the Green Mountain Boys during the Revolutionary War, most famous for capturing Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775 without losing a single soldier
Reuben wrote about Ethan Allen's capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775.
full name Ethan Allen; historical context with year
A statue of Ethan Allen stands in the town square.
Sumin's grandfather keeps a portrait of Ethan Allen on his desk.
The students discussed Ethan Allen's leadership of the Green Mountain Boys.
Usage Note
In historical writing and conversation, this figure is almost always referred to by his full name, Ethan Allen, rather than just the surname Allen.
4. the English Catholic cardinal who founded a seminary in Douai, France, to train
the English Catholic cardinal who founded a seminary in Douai, France, to train English priests during the Reformation, and who played a key role in organising Catholic resistance in Elizabethan England
Mira read about Cardinal William Allen and the English College at Douai.
full name Cardinal William Allen; religious history context
William Allen became a cardinal in 1587 for his work with English Catholics.
Élise's research paper examined William Allen's role in Elizabethan religious politics.
Few people today remember Cardinal Allen's influence on English Catholicism.
Usage Note
This figure is most commonly referred to as Cardinal William Allen or Cardinal Allen, especially in religious and historical contexts.
Etymology
The surname Allen is of Celtic origin, derived from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic name Ailín or from aluinn, meaning 'handsome' or 'harmonious'. It arrived in England after the Norman Conquest and became a common given name and surname. The three historical figures covered here are unrelated despite sharing the surname. The city of Allen, Texas, was named after a local landowner in the 19th century.