kirkland: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-to-HighFormal (as a toponym/surname), Informal/Commercial (as a brand name).
Quick answer
What does “kirkland” mean?
A proper noun, primarily functioning as a toponym (place name) and a surname, most commonly associated with a city in Washington, USA, and a multinational brand name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, primarily functioning as a toponym (place name) and a surname, most commonly associated with a city in Washington, USA, and a multinational brand name.
Refers to the place, people from that place, or products (especially private-label goods) sold by the American warehouse club Costco under the 'Kirkland Signature' brand. Also used as a family name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Kirkland' is recognised primarily as a Scottish surname or place name. The brand 'Kirkland Signature' is known but less ubiquitous than in North America. In the US, it is strongly associated with the city and the Costco brand.
Connotations
UK: Scottish heritage, historical. US: Pacific Northwest, bulk shopping, value-for-money products.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of the brand and the city.
Grammar
How to Use “kirkland” in a Sentence
[Preposition 'of'] Kirkland of Washington[Possessive] Kirkland's products[Adjectival] the Kirkland areaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “kirkland” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verbal use.)
American English
- (No standard verbal use.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- They serve a lovely Kirkland ale at the pub.
- It's a classic Kirkland surname.
American English
- These Kirkland jeans are surprisingly durable.
- She loves the Kirkland coffee blend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The retailer's Kirkland Signature line generates significant profit margin."
Academic
"The Kirkland period in the region's history is marked by early settlement."
Everyday
"We need to pick up Kirkland toilet paper from Costco."
Technical
"The Kirkland formation shows distinct sedimentary layers."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “kirkland”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “kirkland”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “kirkland”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a kirkland').
- Misspelling as 'Kirklands' for the brand (it's 'Kirkland Signature').
- Pronouncing the 'd' as silent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a proper noun. Its frequency depends on context (geography, shopping habits).
It's pronounced /ˈkɜːrklənd/, with the stress on the first syllable: KIRK-land.
No, 'Kirkland' is not used as a verb in standard English. It is a noun (proper noun).
'Kirkland' can refer to the place or surname. 'Kirkland Signature' is the specific brand name for products sold at Costco warehouses.
A proper noun, primarily functioning as a toponym (place name) and a surname, most commonly associated with a city in Washington, USA, and a multinational brand name.
Kirkland is usually formal (as a toponym/surname), informal/commercial (as a brand name). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get the Kirkland treatment (informal, US) – to receive good value.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: KIRK (church, as in Scots) + LAND. A 'land with a church'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRAND IS A PLACE OF ORIGIN (e.g., 'This wine is from Kirkland').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Kirkland Signature' primarily known as?