hillerman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “hillerman” mean?
A proper noun referring to the surname of American author Tony Hillerman, known for mystery novels set in the Southwestern United States, often featuring Navajo Tribal Police.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the surname of American author Tony Hillerman, known for mystery novels set in the Southwestern United States, often featuring Navajo Tribal Police.
May be used metonymically to refer to the author's body of work, his distinctive literary style (characterized by cultural authenticity and Southwestern settings), or the genre of Native American detective fiction he pioneered.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant linguistic differences. Recognition is likely higher in the US due to the author's American nationality and the Southwestern US setting of his novels.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a specific sub-genre of detective fiction. In the US, it may additionally evoke specific regional (Southwest) cultural associations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse in both regions. Slightly higher likelihood of occurrence in American literary/academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hillerman” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (as subject/object)the novels of [Proper Noun]a book by [Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hillerman” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The book had a distinctly Hillerman feel to its pacing.
American English
- It's a very Hillerman-esque plot, with a focus on tribal customs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, genre studies, or courses on detective fiction or Native American literature.
Everyday
Rare, used primarily by readers discussing mystery novels or Southwestern US culture.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hillerman”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hillerman”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a hillerman book' – should be 'a Hillerman book' with a capital H).
- Misspelling (e.g., Hillerman, Hillerman).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency proper noun, recognized mainly by readers of mystery fiction.
Informally, yes, in contexts like 'a Hillerman-style novel' to describe works similar to his. It is not a standard adjective.
Yes, always. It is a surname (proper noun).
His novels typically feature Navajo Tribal Police officers solving crimes, blending detective fiction with detailed portrayals of Southwestern US and Native American culture.
A proper noun referring to the surname of American author Tony Hillerman, known for mystery novels set in the Southwestern United States, often featuring Navajo Tribal Police.
Hillerman is usually formal/literary in register.
Hillerman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪləmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪlɚmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'hill' and a 'man' – Tony Hillerman wrote about the landscapes and people of the American Southwest.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHOR IS A BRAND (e.g., 'This is a classic Hillerman').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Hillerman' primarily associated with?