lincoln

IPA/ˈlɪŋ.kən/
KK[lˈɪŋkən]IPA/ˈlɪŋ.kən/

lincoln — noun

1. Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), the 16th president of the United States who led the

1.nounB1
Definition

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), the 16th president of the United States who led the country during the Civil War and is famous for ending slavery and giving the Gettysburg Address.

Example

Abraham Lincoln is remembered for ending slavery in the United States.

proper noun: full name + historical achievement

Christopher read a biography of Lincoln for his history class.

Common collocations
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • President Lincoln
  • the Lincoln Memorial
  • Lincoln's presidency
  • the Gettysburg Address
  • Lincoln's assassination

Usage Note

Always capitalized. In historical, political, or US cultural contexts, 'Lincoln' alone almost always refers to Abraham Lincoln. The full name 'Abraham Lincoln' is more formal and commonly used in writing. He is also referred to by his nickname 'Honest Abe' in informal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Lincoln was the first president of the United States.
Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States.
George Washington was the first; Lincoln was the 16th.
Abraham Lincoln was president during World War One.
Abraham Lincoln was president during the American Civil War.
Lincoln served from 1861 to 1865, during the Civil War, not World War One.

2. the city that serves as the political centre of Nebraska, a state in the central

2.nounB1
Definition

the city that serves as the political centre of Nebraska, a state in the central United States. It houses the state government and the main campus of the University of Nebraska.

Example

Layla drove from Omaha to Lincoln for the university's summer camp.

proper noun: capital city + state context

The state government buildings in Lincoln were built over a hundred years ago.

Common collocations
  • downtown Lincoln
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Lincoln, Nebraska
  • the city of Lincoln
  • Lincoln Public Schools

Usage Note

Always capitalized. When speaking to a US audience, 'Lincoln' alone may be understood as Lincoln, Nebraska only in regional contexts. Adding 'Nebraska' avoids confusion with other Lincolns.

Common Mistakes

The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln, England.
The capital of Nebraska is Lincoln, Nebraska.
There are two well-known cities named Lincoln; always specify the state (Nebraska) for the US capital.

3. a historic city in eastern England that is the main settlement of Lincolnshire,

3.nounB2
Definition

a historic city in eastern England that is the main settlement of Lincolnshire, noted for its medieval cathedral and castle from the Norman period.

Example

Samir visited Lincoln Cathedral during his trip to England last spring.

proper noun: English city + landmark

The medieval castle in Lincoln offers a great view of the city below.

Common collocations
  • Lincoln Cathedral
  • Lincoln Castle
  • the Bishop of Lincoln
  • University of Lincoln
  • Lincolnshire

Usage Note

Always capitalized. In British contexts 'Lincoln' alone normally refers to this city. It is the county town of Lincolnshire and is sometimes called 'Lincoln, England' to distinguish it from the US city of the same name.

Common Mistakes

Lincoln Cathedral is in the US state of Nebraska.
Lincoln Cathedral is in Lincoln, England.
The famous medieval cathedral is in England, not Nebraska.

Word family

  • Lincolnian
    adjectiveC2
  • Lincolnshire
    nounB2
  • Lincolnesque
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

In US history, 'Lincoln' refers specifically to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery. 'Washington' (George Washington) was the first president and a founding father. 'Jefferson' (Thomas Jefferson) was the third president and wrote the Declaration of Independence. 'Grant' (Ulysses S. Grant) was a Union general in the Civil War and later the 18th president. While all four names appear on US currency and monuments, Lincoln is uniquely associated with the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address. For example, a student might write 'Lincoln freed the slaves' but 'Washington led the Revolutionary Army' — each figure is tied to a different era and achievement.

Lincoln ↗Washington ↗Jefferson ↗Grant ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Lincoln Cathedral
  • Lincoln Castle
  • Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Lincoln, England
  • Lincoln's presidency
  • Lincoln's assassination
  • University of Lincoln
  • University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Phrases

  • President Lincoln
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • downtown Lincoln
  • the city of Lincoln

Etymology

CelticLatinEnglish

The name 'Lincoln' comes from the Latin 'Lindum Colonia', the name of a Roman settlement in what is now Lincoln, England. 'Lindum' was adapted from an older Celtic word possibly meaning 'pool' or 'lake', and 'Colonia' referred to a Roman settlement for retired soldiers. Over time 'Lindum Colonia' was shortened to 'Lincoln'. The city of Lincoln, Nebraska was named after Abraham Lincoln shortly after his death in 1865.

First known use

1837

1837, in the meaning defined above