Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • A city in southern England: A historic city in England, located northwest of London, famous as the location of the University of Oxford.
   • A city in northern Mississippi, USA: A city in the United States, known as the home of author William Faulkner.

2. Noun:

   • A type of low shoe: A style of low shoe that is laced over the instep, typically considered a classic and formal footwear style.
   • A university in England: Refers specifically to the University of Oxford, a prestigious collegiate research university located in the city of Oxford, England.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Place):

  • She moved to Oxford to begin her studies. (Refers to the city in England.)
  • We visited Faulkner's home in Oxford, Mississippi. (Refers to the city in the USA.)

• Noun (Object):

  • He wore a pair of polished black oxfords to the interview. (Refers to the style of shoe.)
• Noun (Institution):
  • She received her degree from Oxford. (Refers to the University of Oxford.)

Advanced Usage

• "Oxford comma": Also known as the serial comma, it is the comma used immediately before a coordinating conjunction (usually 'and' or 'or') in a list of three or more items. Its name comes from the Oxford University Press style guide, which traditionally advocates for its use.
  • The style guide mandates the use of the Oxford comma for clarity.

Variants and Related Words

• Oxonian (adj/n): Pertaining to Oxford or Oxford University; a member or graduate of Oxford University.
  • The Oxonian tradition is centuries old.
• Oxford cloth (n): A type of durable cotton fabric, often used for shirts, characterized by a basketweave pattern.
  • He prefers shirts made from Oxford cloth.

Synonyms

• Brogue (n): A type of sturdy leather shoe, often with decorative perforations. (Note: While similar, 'brogue' and 'oxford' refer to specific, sometimes overlapping, shoe styles. An oxford is defined by its closed lacing system.)
• University (n): An institution of higher education. (A general synonym when referring to the institution, not the specific place.)

Related Phrases

• Oxford blue: A dark blue color, traditionally associated with the University of Oxford.
  • The team's colors are Oxford blue and white.
• Oxford English: The form of the English language used at Oxford University, often considered a standard for British English.
  • The dictionary is written in Oxford English.

Noun

1. a low shoe laced over the instep
2. a university in England
3. a university town in northern Mississippi; home of William Faulkner
4. a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University