collins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (as a surname/entity name), Low (as a common noun)Formal (when referring to the dictionary/publisher/surname), Informal (when referring to the cocktail or used generically).
Quick answer
What does “collins” mean?
A surname of Irish and Scottish origin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A surname of Irish and Scottish origin; primarily used as a proper noun referring to people or specific entities.
A common last name. Also refers to a type of cocktail (Tom Collins), a major British dictionary publisher (Collins English Dictionary), and a spaceflight program (Apollo 11 command module). Can be used informally as a generic term for a directory or reference book.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Collins' is strongly associated with the publisher and its dictionaries. In the US, the association with the cocktail (Tom Collins) or the astronaut Michael Collins is equally or more prominent.
Connotations
UK: Publishing, authority, reference. US: Often mixed between publishing, a refreshing drink, and space history.
Frequency
The surname frequency is similar. References to 'Collins' as a common noun (e.g., 'check the Collins') for a dictionary are slightly more common in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “collins” in a Sentence
Proper Noun (subject/object): Collins published a new dictionary.Possessive: Collins's definition is clear.As a modifier: the Collins edition.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collins” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Collins edition is more comprehensive.
- She consulted the Collins definition.
American English
- He ordered a Collins glass for the drink.
- The Collins entry was updated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need to ensure our technical writing aligns with the definitions in the latest Collins."
Academic
"The etymologies provided in the Collins are particularly thorough."
Everyday
"I'll just look it up in my Collins." or "I'll have a Tom Collins, please."
Technical
"The command module, named Columbia, was piloted by Michael Collins."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “collins”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “collins”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collins”
- Writing it in lower case ('collins') when referring to the proper noun.
- Using 'a Collins' to mean any dictionary (overextension of the brand name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. It is a surname and a brand name. Informally, it can be used as a common noun (e.g., 'a Collins' meaning that publisher's dictionary), but this is a derived usage.
A 'Tom Collins' is the specific name for a cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. 'Collins' can sometimes be used as a shorthand for this drink or refer to the type of glass it's served in.
In British English, it's /ˈkɒlɪnz/ (KOL-inz). In American English, it's /ˈkɑːlɪnz/ (KAH-linz). The first syllable has the vowel sound from 'cot' (UK) or 'call' (US).
This is an example of antonomasia, where a brand name (Collins, a major dictionary publisher) becomes a generic term for the product. It's similar to saying 'a Hoover' for a vacuum cleaner.
A surname of Irish and Scottish origin.
Collins is usually formal (when referring to the dictionary/publisher/surname), informal (when referring to the cocktail or used generically). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COLLINS as a COLLECTION of LINguistic StandardS.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A NAME (The name 'Collins' metaphorically stands for authoritative reference).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'Collins' NOT typically refer to a person's name?