lafayette
lafayette — proper noun
1. a French nobleman and military officer (1757–1834) who became a key ally of the
a French nobleman and military officer (1757–1834) who became a key ally of the American colonists during the Revolutionary War; his full title was Marquis de Lafayette, and he is regarded as a hero of both France and the United States.
Lafayette fought alongside the American colonists during the Revolutionary War.
historical figure in military context
Several American towns and streets are named after Lafayette in honor of his service.
legacy: place names derived from the person
During his 1824 tour, Lafayette visited all twenty-four states then in the Union.
historical tour visiting every state
A bronze statue of Lafayette stands in Lafayette Square, across from the White House.
monument in Washington D.C.
- General Lafayette
- Marquis de Lafayette
- Lafayette's role
Usage Note
The full title 'Marquis de Lafayette' is used in formal historical writing; the short form 'Lafayette' is standard in general contexts.
2. a city in western California, located east of Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay
a city in western California, located east of Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area; known for its public schools, hiking trails, and small-town atmosphere within a metropolitan region.
The Lafayette library hosts a popular weekly farmers' market every spring.
place name as subject of community activity
Many commuters living in Lafayette take the BART train into San Francisco for work.
commuter context with BART reference
The Lafayette Reservoir offers jogging trails and picnic areas with views of the hills.
local outdoor recreation spot
Families often move to Lafayette because of its highly rated public school district.
family relocation reason: schools
- Lafayette BART station
- downtown Lafayette
3. a city in north central Colorado, located about 15 miles north-northwest of Denv
a city in north central Colorado, located about 15 miles north-northwest of Denver; part of the Boulder metropolitan area and known for its historic downtown and coal-mining heritage.
Lafayette has become a popular destination for cyclists exploring the Front Range trails.
place name with outdoor recreation
The city of Lafayette hosts an annual music festival that draws visitors from across Colorado.
annual event tied to place name
An old coal mine in Lafayette has been turned into a community park.
transformation from industrial to recreational
Lafayette's Old Town district features art galleries, coffee shops, and a local bakery.
- Lafayette Colorado
- historic Lafayette
4. a city on the Wabash River in west central Indiana, about 60 miles northwest of
a city on the Wabash River in west central Indiana, about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis; it is home to Purdue University, a major public research university located across the river in West Lafayette.
Purdue University's main campus sits just across the river from Lafayette in West Lafayette.
college-town context with Purdue
Lafayette's downtown area features a restored 19th-century theater and several farm-to-table restaurants.
historic downtown features
The technology sector in Greater Lafayette has grown rapidly as Purdue graduates start new companies.
economic growth driven by university
Each summer the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra performs free concerts near the Wabash River.
- Lafayette Indiana
- downtown Lafayette
- Greater Lafayette
Usage Note
The adjacent city 'West Lafayette' is a separate municipality and should not be confused with Lafayette itself.
Common Mistakes
5. a city in southern Louisiana, located about 55 miles southwest of Baton Rouge; i
a city in southern Louisiana, located about 55 miles southwest of Baton Rouge; it is the commercial and cultural center of the Acadiana region and is known for its Cajun and Creole heritage, music, and cuisine.
Lafayette serves as the cultural heart of Louisiana's Cajun and Creole region.
cultural hub of Acadiana
Every spring the Festival International de Louisiane brings musicians from around the world to Lafayette.
major annual festival in the city
Lafayette's oil and gas industry provides thousands of jobs across southern Louisiana.
economic driver: energy sector
Vermilionville in Lafayette shows what Cajun and Creole life was like in the 1800s.
- Lafayette Louisiana
- Lafayette Parish
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Usage Note
When the Louisiana city is meant in context, speakers often specify 'Lafayette, Louisiana' to distinguish it from the many other U.S. cities with the same name.
Etymology
From French 'La Fayette', originally a place name in Auvergne, France. The name was adopted by the noble family Du Motier. It became widely known through the Marquis de Lafayette, whose popularity in the United States led to many American towns and cities being named after him.