Clinton

IPA/klˈɪntən/
KK[klˈɪntən]IPA/klˈɪntən/

Clinton — noun

1. the family name of two well-known American politicians — Bill Clinton (42nd pres

1.nounB2
Definition

the family name of two well-known American politicians — Bill Clinton (42nd president of the United States, 1993–2001) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (Secretary of State, 2009–2013). In news and discussion, the name is often used to refer to their policies, political era, or family.

Example

The Clinton administration signed the welfare reform bill in 1996.

Clinton administration — the executive branch under President Bill Clinton

Many voters still remember the strong economy during the Clinton years.

the Clinton years — the period of Bill Clinton's presidency

Common collocations
  • Clinton administration
  • Clinton years
  • Clinton-era
  • the Clintons
  • Clinton campaign

Grammar Patterns

the Clinton family

the Clinton years

Clinton-era

Usage Note

Commonly appears as a modifier (Clinton administration, Clinton-era) or as a surname (the Clintons). Learners should not treat it as a common noun — it always refers to specific people or their historical period.

Common Mistakes

Clinton is a country in Europe.
Clinton is an American political surname.
Clinton is not a place name that learners typically need to know.

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Clinton is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name meaning 'settlement on the River Glyme' (from Old English 'glyme' meaning 'bright stream'). It became widely known in American politics through the political career of Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III, taking his stepfather's surname Clinton) and later his wife Hillary Clinton.