Definition

Proper noun 1. A person's name: Marilyn Monroe was the stage name of Norma Jeane Mortenson, an American actress, model, and singer. She is a major cultural icon, renowned for her comedic acting talent, glamorous persona, and enduring status as a sex symbol of the 20th century. 2. A cultural symbol: The name often represents the concepts of Hollywood glamour, fame, beauty, and the complexities of celebrity life.

Usage Examples

• As a biographical subject:
  • The museum has a new exhibition about the life of Marilyn Monroe.
  • Many books have been written analyzing the legacy of Marilyn Monroe.
• As a cultural reference:
  • Her blonde hair and style were often compared to Marilyn Monroe.
  • The phrase "Marilyn Monroe moment" evokes an image of iconic glamour and vulnerability.

Advanced Usage

• Metonymy: The name is sometimes used metonymically to refer to the era of classic Hollywood or a specific archetype of female stardom.
  • The film captures the Marilyn Monroe era of studio-controlled stardom.
• Adjectival use: While not standard, her name is sometimes used attributively to describe a similar style or quality.
  • She has a Marilyn Monroe-esque charm.

Variants and Related Words

• Norma Jeane (Mortenson): Her birth name.
• Monroe-esque (adj.): Resembling or characteristic of Marilyn Monroe's style or persona.

Synonyms

• Screen goddess
• Blonde bombshell (a term often associated with her public image)
• Cultural icon

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A Marilyn Monroe": Used to describe a woman who embodies a similar combination of voluptuous beauty, blonde hair, and a charismatic, breathy speaking voice.
  • With that dress and makeup, she's doing her best "A Marilyn Monroe".
• "The Marilyn Monroe effect": Refers to the phenomenon where an individual's immense public fame and symbolic status contrast with their personal struggles.

Noun

1. United States film actress noted for sex appeal (1926-1962)