Definition

Proper noun: 1. A state in the east central United States: One of the 50 states of the USA, known for its bluegrass region, horse breeding, and bourbon production. 2. A border state during the American Civil War: A state that was officially part of the Union but where slavery was legal, leading to divided loyalties during the war. 3. Famous for breeding race horses: Renowned globally as a center for the thoroughbred horse industry.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • She was born and raised in Kentucky.
  • Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State.
  • The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race held in Louisville.

Advanced Usage

• "Kentucky windage": A term originating from rifle shooting, referring to the practice of adjusting aim to compensate for wind or distance without using the scope's settings. It implies a rough, intuitive correction.
  • The shot was difficult, so he used a bit of Kentucky windage to hit the target.

Variants and Related Words

• Kentuckian (noun): A person from the state of Kentucky.
  • The Kentuckian was proud of his state's heritage.
• Kentucky bluegrass (noun): A species of grass native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but famously cultivated in Kentucky pastures.
  • The fields were covered in lush Kentucky bluegrass.

Synonyms

• The Bluegrass State: The official nickname for Kentucky.
• Commonwealth of Kentucky: The official designation for the state.

Noun

1. a state in east central United States; a border state during the American Civil War; famous for breeding race horses