Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An American lexicographer: Noah Webster was a person, specifically a United States author, spelling reformer, political writer, and editor who is best known for compiling dictionaries that defined American English.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Noah Webster published his first dictionary in 1806.
  • The spelling of many words was standardized by Noah Webster.
  • Students often learn about Noah Webster in history class.

Advanced Usage

• Used to refer to the legacy or body of work associated with the person.
  • The school's curriculum emphasized a Noah Webster approach to spelling and grammar.
• Can be used attributively to describe things related to his work.
  • She consulted a Webster dictionary for the definition.

Variants and Related Words

• Webster's: A common proprietary eponym for dictionaries descended from Noah Webster's work, such as .
• Websterian (adj): Pertaining to Noah Webster or his linguistic principles.

Synonyms

• Lexicographer: A compiler or writer of a dictionary.
• Dictionary maker: A person who creates dictionaries.

Notes on Meaning

This entry refers exclusively to the historical figure, Noah Webster. It does not define the common nouns "noah" or "webster" independently. His name is synonymous with American dictionary publishing and spelling reform in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Noun

1. United States lexicographer (1758-1843)