madison

IPA/ˈmædɪsn/
KK[mˈædəsən]IPA/ˈmædɪsn/

madison — noun

1. the capital of the midwestern state of Wisconsin, situated in its south-central

1.nounB1
Definition

the capital of the midwestern state of Wisconsin, situated in its south-central region and home to a large university campus, a chain of lakes, and a domed capitol building

Example

Vikram flew to Madison for a summer research programme at the university.

proper noun: capital city name

The farmers' market on Madison's Capitol Square draws thousands of visitors every Saturday.

location reference: Capitol Square

Common collocations
  • downtown Madison
  • Madison campus
  • Madison area
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Grammar Patterns

Madison + singular verb

Usage Note

Madison, Wisconsin is often referred to simply as 'Madison' when the state context is clear. Do not confuse with Madison, Alabama, which is a much smaller city.

Common Mistakes

Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, located in the state's southern area.
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, located in the south-central part of the state.
Madison is in south-central Wisconsin, not the far south.

2. a track cycling competition where two-person teams alternate between racing and

2.nounC1
Definition

a track cycling competition where two-person teams alternate between racing and resting on a banked oval track, and the pair that covers the most laps within a fixed time period wins

Example

Ilan and his partner won the Madison at the national championships last weekend.

proper noun: event name for a team race

The Madison race requires two cyclists to work closely together and exchange turns smoothly.

grammar: 'the Madison' as a race type

Common collocations
  • win the Madison
  • ride the Madison
  • Madison race
  • Madison event
  • Madison world championship
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

the Madison + singular verb

Madison race

Usage Note

The name comes from Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the first race of this type was held. The event is an Olympic discipline for both men and women.

3. the fourth president of the United States (1809–1817), known as the main author

3.nounB1
Definition

the fourth president of the United States (1809–1817), known as the main author of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights

Example

Nkechi wrote a report about James Madison's role in drafting the US Constitution.

historical reference: author of Constitution

James Madison served as president during the War of 1812 against Britain.

Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

James Madison + singular verb

Usage Note

Often referred to as 'the Father of the Constitution' because of his central role in writing and promoting the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

4. the wife of US President James Madison, remembered for her social influence as a

4.nounB1
Definition

the wife of US President James Madison, remembered for her social influence as a White House hostess and for saving a portrait of George Washington when the British burned Washington, D.C. in 1814

Example

João read about Dolley Madison saving a famous portrait from the White House fire.

historical event: saving the portrait (1814)

Dolley Madison hosted large social gatherings at the White House in Washington.

Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

Dolley Madison + singular verb

Usage Note

Dolley Madison helped define the role of the First Lady. She is often credited with making the White House a centre of social and political life in early Washington.

5. a river about 290 kilometres long in southwestern Montana, USA, which joins the

5.nounB2
Definition

a river about 290 kilometres long in southwestern Montana, USA, which joins the Jefferson and Gallatin rivers to form the Missouri River, and is a popular destination for fly fishing

Example

Sayaka spent a weekend fishing for trout on the Madison River with her uncle.

outdoor activity: fly fishing

The Madison River flows north through a wide valley in the Rocky Mountains.

geographical description: river course

Common collocations
  • the Madison River
  • Madison River valley
  • fish the Madison

Grammar Patterns

the Madison River + singular verb

Madison River + singular verb

Usage Note

Always preceded by 'the' when referring to the river ('the Madison River' or 'the Madison'). Named after James Madison by the Lewis and Clark expedition.

6. a city in northern Alabama, USA, located just west of Huntsville, known as a fas

6.nounB2
Definition

a city in northern Alabama, USA, located just west of Huntsville, known as a fast-growing suburb with a strong technology and aerospace industry presence

Example

Ayesha drove from Huntsville to Madison, Alabama for an interview at an engineering firm.

location proximity: near Huntsville

Esme's cousin works at a space research centre near Madison, Alabama.

Common collocations
  • Madison, Alabama
  • Madison, AL
  • downtown Madison

Grammar Patterns

Madison + singular verb

Usage Note

To distinguish from Madison, Wisconsin, always include the state name when speaking or writing: 'Madison, Alabama' or 'Madison, AL'.

Common Mistakes

I visited Madison last summer.' (when referring to Madison, Alabama)
I visited Madison, Alabama last summer.
Always add the state name to avoid confusion with the much better-known Madison, Wisconsin.

Word family

  • Madisonian
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/3

James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams were all key figures in early US history, but their roles differ. Madison is best known as the main author of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and he served as the fourth president. Jefferson, the third president, wrote the Declaration of Independence and greatly expanded US territory through the Louisiana Purchase. Hamilton, the first Treasury Secretary, built the country's financial system but never became president. Adams, the second president, was a leading voice for independence and a skilled diplomat. For example, when studying the creation of the Constitution, you read about Madison; when studying the country's financial structure, you turn to Hamilton; for the push toward independence, both Jefferson and Adams are central.

James MadisonThomas JeffersonAlexander HamiltonJohn Adams

Common collocations

Phrases

  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Madison, Alabama
  • James Madison
  • Dolley Madison
  • the Madison River

Prepositions

  • in Madison
  • to Madison
  • from Madison
  • near Madison

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

Madison is a surname that became a place name. It originally meant 'son of Maud' (a medieval English given name). The US city, river, and county named Madison honor President James Madison, whose surname traces back to this English patronymic. The Madison bicycle race takes its name from Madison Square Garden in New York City, which was itself named after President James Madison.