hudson

IPA/hˈʌdsən/
KK[hˈʌdsən]IPA/hˈʌdsən/

hudson — noun

1. an English explorer from the early 1600s who sailed to northeastern North Americ

1.nounB1
Definition

an English explorer from the early 1600s who sailed to northeastern North America and discovered the river and bay that are now named after him.

Example

Hugo learned about Henry Hudson in his geography class last semester.

proper noun + verb of learning

Henry Hudson set sail from England in 1609 on his most famous voyage.

historical event + date

Common collocations
  • explored
  • discovered
  • sailed
  • voyage

Grammar Patterns

usually referred to as 'Henry Hudson' in full

Usage Note

Always capitalised. Usually appears with the first name 'Henry' when first mentioned; the surname alone is common in later references.

2. an American lawyer and judge who was a leading expert in international law durin

2.nounC1
Definition

an American lawyer and judge who was a leading expert in international law during the early 1900s and served on the Permanent Court of International Justice.

Example

Kofi read about Manley O. Hudson in his international law textbook.

proper noun + field of expertise

Hudson's writings on international courts are still cited by legal scholars today.

Common collocations
  • international law
  • judge
  • court
  • legal scholar

Grammar Patterns

usually referred to as 'Manley O. Hudson' in academic contexts

Usage Note

Distinguish from the explorer Henry Hudson. This figure is primarily referred to by full name ('Manley O. Hudson') in legal contexts.

3. an English writer and naturalist, born in Argentina, who wrote novels and nature

3.nounB2
Definition

an English writer and naturalist, born in Argentina, who wrote novels and nature books in the late 1800s and early 1900s, including 'Green Mansions'.

Example

Talia chose W. H. Hudson's 'Green Mansions' for her book club report.

author + book title

Hudson's love of birds and wildlife comes through clearly in his nature writing.

Common collocations
  • nature writing
  • novel
  • Green Mansions
  • birds

Grammar Patterns

often referred to as 'W. H. Hudson'

Usage Note

Distinguish from the explorer and the jurist. This Hudson is usually cited by his initials 'W. H.' or the full abbreviation 'W. H. Hudson'.

hudson — noun

1. a major river in eastern New York State that flows south from the Adirondack Mou

1.nounB1
Definition

a major river in eastern New York State that flows south from the Adirondack Mountains to New York City, covering about 492 kilometers (306 miles).

Example

Piotr took a boat tour up the Hudson River on a sunny afternoon.

the + proper noun + verb of travel

Many small towns along the Hudson have beautiful views of the water.

collocation: along the Hudson

Common collocations
  • the Hudson
  • Hudson River Valley
  • along the Hudson
  • Hudson River school

Grammar Patterns

the Hudson River / the Hudson

Usage Note

Used with the definite article: 'the Hudson River' or simply 'the Hudson'. See also: Hudson Bay (a separate body of water in Canada).

2. a town in southern New Hampshire, United States, located across the Merrimack Ri

2.nounB2
Definition

a town in southern New Hampshire, United States, located across the Merrimack River from the city of Nashua.

Example

Christopher moved to Hudson, New Hampshire, for a quieter life near the woods.

place name + state for disambiguation

Hui stayed at a small hotel in Hudson while visiting friends in Nashua.

Common collocations
  • Hudson, New Hampshire
  • Hudson town
  • near Hudson

Grammar Patterns

Hudson, New Hampshire / Hudson, NH

Usage Note

When writing the town name, include the state ('Hudson, New Hampshire' or 'Hudson, NH') to avoid confusion with the river or other places called Hudson.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

The surname 'Hudson' can refer to different historical figures and places, and context determines which one is meant. 'Henry Hudson' is the full name of the English explorer; just 'Hudson' alone is common in historical writing once the person has been introduced. Do not confuse the explorer with 'Hudson River' — the river is the geographical feature named after him. When reading history texts, look for clues such as 'sailed', 'explored', or 'discovered' to tell that the explorer is being discussed. In geography or travel writing, 'Hudson' usually refers to the river ('the Hudson') unless a state name follows it.

Hudson ↗Henry HudsonHudson River

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • Hudson River Valley
  • Hudson, New Hampshire
  • Henry Hudson

Prepositions

Etymology

English

Hudson is an English surname meaning 'son of Hudde', where 'Hudde' was a medieval personal name. The surname became attached to places and geographical features mostly through the explorer Henry Hudson (c. 1565–1611), whose voyages put his name on a river, a bay, and a strait in North America. Later settlements and towns in the United States also took the name.