Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Ethel Merman: A stage name referring to a specific, famous American singer and actress known for her powerful voice and leading roles in Broadway musical comedies during the 20th century. This is a proper noun identifying a unique individual.

Usage

• The word Ethel Merman is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the person. It is not used with articles ('a', 'the') when referring to the individual herself.
• Example:

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Ethel Merman starred in "Annie Get Your Gun."
  • Her performance is often compared to that of Ethel Merman.
  • The biography details the life of Ethel Merman.

Advanced Usage

• The name can be used attributively to describe a style or quality reminiscent of her.
  • She has an Ethel Merman-like belt. (Meaning: a powerful singing voice similar to hers.)
• Used in cultural references to symbolize Broadway or a particular era of musical theater.
  • That old theater has seen everyone from Ethel Merman to modern stars.

Variants and Related Words

• Merman: While this is part of her stage surname, it is also a common noun (merman = a mythical male mermaid). They are distinct and not used interchangeably.
• The Merman Legacy: Refers to her enduring influence in theater.

Synonyms

• There are no true synonyms for a proper name. Contextual references include:
  • The First Lady of Broadway: A common honorary title for Ethel Merman.
  • A Broadway legend: A descriptive phrase that could include her.

Related Phrases

• To belt like Merman: An informal phrase meaning to sing with a very loud, powerful, and clear chest voice, characteristic of her style.
  • The singer didn't just sing the number; she belted it like Merman.

Related Idioms

• No specific idioms are formed from the name Ethel Merman. The name itself is a cultural reference point within idioms about performance, e.g., "having pipes like Ethel Merman" means possessing an exceptionally strong singing voice.

Noun

1. United States singer who appeared in several musical comedies (1909-1984)