Definition

Proper noun: * A location and event: Wimbledon is a district in southwest London, England, internationally famous as the venue for The Championships, Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, played on grass courts.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Location):
  • She lives in Wimbledon, a pleasant suburb of London.
  • The Wimbledon Common is a large public park in the area.
• Proper noun (Event):
  • Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament still played on grass.
  • He has dreamed of winning Wimbledon since he was a child.
  • The atmosphere at Wimbledon during the finals is incredible.

Advanced Usage

• Metonymy: The word "Wimbledon" is often used metonymically to refer to the tennis tournament itself, not just the location.
  • "Wimbledon starts next week," means the tournament begins, not that the district has an event.
• As a modifier: It is commonly used adjectivally to describe things related to the tournament.
  • Wimbledon champion, Wimbledon finals, Wimbledon tradition.

Variants and Related Words

• The Championships, Wimbledon: The official name of the tennis tournament.
• SW19: The London postal code for the Wimbledon area, often used synonymously with the tournament venue.
• The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club: The private club that hosts The Championships.

Synonyms

• The Championships (when context is clear).
• The grass-court Grand Slam (descriptive synonym).

Related Phrases

• Wimbledon fortnight: Refers to the traditional two-week duration of the tournament.
  • The city is bustling during the Wimbledon fortnight.
• Wimbledon whites: Refers to the strict all-white dress code for competitors.
  • Players must adhere to the rule of Wimbledon whites.

Noun

1. a suburb of London and the headquarters of the club where annual international tennis championships are played on grass courts