Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A 19th-century American poet: Refers to Walt Whitman, a highly influential American poet, essayist, and journalist, best known for his groundbreaking collection "Leaves of Grass," which celebrated democracy, nature, love, and friendship.
   • A 19th-century American missionary: Refers to Marcus Whitman, a physician and missionary who, with his wife Narcissa, established a mission in the Oregon Territory to provide Christianity, education, and medical care to Native Americans.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Walt Whitman):

  • The poetry of Whitman revolutionized American literature.
  • We studied a Whitman poem about the self and the universe.

• Proper noun (Marcus Whitman):

  • Whitman and his wife traveled the Oregon Trail to establish their mission.
  • The Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates their work.

Advanced Usage

• "Whitmanesque" (adjective): Having qualities characteristic of Walt Whitman's poetry, such as a free-verse style, expansiveness, or a celebration of the common person and the human body.
  • The poet's long, cataloging lines were distinctly Whitmanesque.

Variants and Related Words

• Whitmanesque (adj): Pertaining to the style or themes of Walt Whitman.
• Leaves of Grass (n): The major poetic work by Walt Whitman, first published in 1855 and expanded throughout his life.

Synonyms

• For Walt Whitman: The Bard of Democracy, The Good Gray Poet.
• For Marcus Whitman: Missionary, pioneer, physician.

Notes on Meaning

This word is a proper noun referring specifically to two distinct historical figures from 19th-century America. The context usually makes it clear which person is being discussed: literary contexts refer to Walt Whitman, while historical contexts about westward expansion or missions often refer to Marcus Whitman.

Noun

1. United States frontier missionary who established a post in Oregon where Christianity and schooling and medicine were available to Native Americans (1802-1847)
2. United States poet who celebrated the greatness of America (1819-1892)