bradman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Sport (Cricket)
Quick answer
What does “bradman” mean?
An individual regarded as the greatest of all time in their field, especially cricket.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An individual regarded as the greatest of all time in their field, especially cricket; a benchmark of unparalleled excellence.
A figure or standard of supreme achievement or dominance in any domain, used metaphorically to denote the absolute pinnacle of success.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK and Commonwealth nations, 'Bradman' is widely understood as a cultural reference to Sir Donald Bradman, the legendary cricketer. In American usage, it is largely unknown unless in specialist sporting or historical circles.
Connotations
In British/Commonwealth contexts: reverence, historic achievement, the 'gold standard'. In American contexts: likely confusion or no specific connotation.
Frequency
Frequent in Australian sports journalism and historical discourse; occasional in UK sports writing; extremely rare in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “bradman” in a Sentence
the Bradman of [field/genre]a Bradman in [sport/domain][Person] is the Bradman of [their field]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bradman” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Bradman-esque statistics may never be matched.
- It was a truly Bradman innings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'He's the Bradman of sales, topping the charts every quarter.'
Academic
Used in historical or sports sociology papers discussing excellence, legacy, and cultural icons.
Everyday
Limited to cricket fans or in countries where cricket is major. 'That innings was pure Bradman.'
Technical
In cricket statistics and analytics, referring to records, averages (e.g., 'Bradman's 99.94').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bradman”
- Using 'Bradman' to describe merely a good player rather than an unprecedented genius.
- Using it in contexts completely unrelated to notions of supreme achievement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. Its use is largely confined to discussions about cricket, sporting excellence, or as a cultural metaphor in Australia, the UK, and other cricket-playing nations.
Yes, but it is a metaphorical extension and requires your audience to understand the cultural reference. It is effectively saying someone is the 'GOAT' (Greatest Of All Time) in their domain.
Sir Donald Bradman (1908–2001) was an Australian cricketer whose Test batting average of 99.94 is considered the greatest statistical achievement in any major sport.
Generally, no. Unless they are cricket enthusiasts or have studied comparative sports history, the name lacks the immediate cultural resonance it has in Commonwealth countries.
An individual regarded as the greatest of all time in their field, especially cricket.
Bradman is usually formal, historical, sport (cricket) in register.
Bradman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrædmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrædmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Bradman-esque performance”
- “to have a Bradman-like average”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Brad-MAN: Think of the BEST MAN at a wedding—Bradman was the best man in cricket.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS THE ULTIMATE EXEMPLAR / THE PINNACLE IS A PERSON (Bradman).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Bradman' most precisely and correctly used?