cheney

IPA/tʃˈeɪni/
KK[tʃˈeni]IPA/tʃˈeɪniː/

cheney — noun

1. the last name of Dick Cheney, a US Republican politician who served as vice pres

1.noun
Definition

the last name of Dick Cheney, a US Republican politician who served as vice president of the United States between 2001 and 2009 under President George W. Bush.

Example

Cheney's influence on US foreign policy is still debated by historians today.

proper noun used as surname to refer to a political figure

Aiko read a biography of Cheney for her high-school history class.

Usage Note

Always capitalised when written; commonly referred to by his last name alone in political discussion.

Common Mistakes

I read a book about Cheney Chen.
I read a book about Dick Cheney.
'Cheney' is a surname, not a given name; when referring to the politician, use 'Dick Cheney' or simply 'Cheney'.

Etymology

Norman FrenchEnglish

The English surname Cheney originated in Normandy (from the place name Quesney) and came to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Dick Cheney, the 46th US vice president, is the figure most commonly associated with the name in modern political contexts.