waller

waller — biographical name

1. an English poet of the seventeenth century, known for his lyric poetry and for p

1.biographical nameB2
Definition

an English poet of the seventeenth century, known for his lyric poetry and for popularising the use of the heroic couplet — his best-known work includes the poem 'Go, Lovely Rose'.

Example

Edmund Waller's poem 'Go, Lovely Rose' is still studied in literature classes today.

proper noun used as subject in biographical context

Professor Kasia Nowak included two of Edmund Waller's poems in her Renaissance literature anthology.

Usage Note

Edmund Waller is typically referred to by his full name to distinguish him from the American musician Fats Waller.

Common Mistakes

Waller was a jazz musician.
Edmund Waller was an English poet; Fats Waller was the jazz musician.
the surname Waller refers to two different historical figures.

2. an American jazz pianist, organist, and composer of the early twentieth century,

2.biographical nameB2
Definition

an American jazz pianist, organist, and composer of the early twentieth century, famous for his stride piano style and for writing popular songs such as 'Ain't Misbehavin'' and 'Honeysuckle Rose'.

Example

Fats Waller's recording of 'Ain't Misbehavin'' became a jazz standard that musicians still perform.

proper noun used as subject in biographical-musical context

The historian Andrés Rivera called Fats Waller a brilliant stride pianist with a lively stage presence.

Usage Note

Thomas Wright Waller was nicknamed 'Fats' early in his career — most references to him use the nickname 'Fats Waller' rather than his full birth name.

Common Mistakes

Fats Waller was a poet from England.
Fats Waller was an American jazz pianist and composer.
the nickname 'Fats' identifies him, not the English poet Edmund Waller.

Word family

  • wall
    nounA1
  • Wallerian
    adjectiveC2

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Waller is an English surname that originated as an occupational name for someone who built walls, from Old English 'weall' (wall) plus the agent suffix '-er'. The surname is first recorded in the 13th century, and the two best-known bearers are the poet Edmund Waller and the jazz musician Fats Waller.