carolyn

IPA/kˈaɹəlˌɪn/
KK[kˈɛrəlɪn]IPA/kˈɛrəlɪn/

carolyn — noun

1. a female first name used in English-speaking countries, especially in the United

1.noun
Definition

a female first name used in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom

Example

Carolyn waved goodbye to her classmates on the last day of school.

proper noun as subject opening a scene

The librarian handed the book to a girl named Carolyn.

prepositional phrase: named + given name

Common collocations
  • named Carolyn
  • Carolyn + surname
  • Aunt / Grandma Carolyn

Usage Note

Carolyn is a feminine given name used mainly in English-speaking countries. It is often pronounced with three syllables: KAIR-ə-lin or KAIR-ə-leen.

Word family

  • Carol
    nounB1
  • Caroline
    nounB1
  • Carolina
    nounB1
  • Carrie
    nounB1
  • Cari
    nounnull

Etymology

GermanicLatinItalianFrenchEnglish

Carolyn is a variant of Caroline, which comes from the French form of Carolina, the feminine version of the Latin name Carolus (Charles). The name ultimately traces back to the Germanic word *karlaz*, meaning 'free man'. Carolyn became a common given name in the United States during the 20th century.