Definition

Proper noun 1. United States writer of humorous essays (1809-1894): Oliver Wendell Holmes was an American physician, poet, and author, best known for his witty and conversational essays and poems. He was a prominent member of the Fireside Poets and a co-founder of The Atlantic Monthly magazine.

Usage Examples

• The essay "The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table" is a famous work by Oliver Wendell Holmes.
• In American literature classes, we studied the humorous prose of Oliver Wendell Holmes.
• Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., is often distinguished from his son, the Supreme Court Justice of the same name.

Advanced Usage

• "Holmesian": Pertaining to or characteristic of the style or wit of Oliver Wendell Holmes.
  • The columnist's light, conversational tone has a distinctly Holmesian quality.

Variants and Related Words

• Holmes, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.: Used to specify the writer and distinguish him from his son, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., the Supreme Court Justice.

Synonyms

• Author, essayist, poet, man of letters.

Notes on Different Meanings

• This entry refers specifically to Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894), the writer and physician. His son, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. (1841–1935), was a renowned Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The two individuals must be clearly distinguished by context or the use of "Sr." (Senior) and "Jr." (Junior).

Noun

1. United States writer of humorous essays (1809-1894)