bryant

IPA/bɹˈaɪənt/
KK[brˈaɪənt]IPA/brˈaɪənt/

bryant — noun

1. An American poet and newspaper editor of the 19th century, William Cullen Bryant

1.nounB2
Definition

An American poet and newspaper editor of the 19th century, William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878) wrote Romantic nature poetry and served as editor of the New-York Evening Post for nearly fifty years.

Example

The class analyzed Bryant's poem 'Thanatopsis' for its treatment of nature and death.

used with possessive to refer to a specific work

Bryant wrote 'Thanatopsis' when he was only seventeen, and it remains his best-known poem.

Usage Note

Typically encountered in discussions of 19th-century American literature and the Romantic movement in poetry. The surname alone (Bryant) is the standard way to refer to the poet in academic and literary contexts.

Etymology

Irish GaelicEnglish

The surname Bryant comes from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Briain, meaning 'descendant of Brian'. William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878) was a leading figure in American Romantic poetry and a longtime editor of the New-York Evening Post. His name is closely associated with the literary and cultural history of 19th-century New York.