redmond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Journalistic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “redmond” mean?
A proper noun referring to a city in Washington, USA, commonly associated with the headquarters of Microsoft Corporation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to a city in Washington, USA, commonly associated with the headquarters of Microsoft Corporation.
Metonymically used to refer to Microsoft itself or its corporate culture, strategy, or products (e.g., 'the Redmond giant'). In some contexts, may be used by tech enthusiasts to refer to the broader tech hub in the region.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. American English users are more likely to be familiar with the city's location. The metonymic use for Microsoft is understood globally in tech contexts.
Connotations
In a tech/business context, strongly connotes Microsoft, its corporate headquarters, and its software ecosystem (e.g., Windows, Office). Can have neutral, positive (innovation), or negative (monopoly) connotations depending on the speaker's view.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general British English. Slightly higher in American English due to domestic geography. The metonymic use has comparable frequency in international tech journalism in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “redmond” in a Sentence
[be] based in Redmond[company] from Redmondthe Redmond [company/giant]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redmond” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Redmond-based team released an update.
- He has a typical Redmond mindset about software licensing.
American English
- The Redmond office is expanding.
- It's a very Redmond approach to the problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in business journalism and analysis to refer to Microsoft's corporate decisions or strategy (e.g., 'Redmond reported strong quarterly earnings').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in economic geography, urban studies, or business case studies about corporate location or tech clusters.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent unless discussing travel to Washington State or specific knowledge of Microsoft.
Technical
Common in tech news, forums, and blogs as shorthand for Microsoft's developer divisions or corporate announcements.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redmond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redmond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redmond”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a redmond').
- Misspelling as 'Redmond' or 'Redmand'.
- Assuming it has a meaning related to the colour red.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a proper noun (the name of a place). Its adjectival use ('Redmond-based') is a derivation from the proper noun.
Yes, always. It is a proper noun (a place name).
It is pronounced /ˈrɛdmənd/, with the stress on the first syllable: RED-muhnd.
It is a stylistic device called metonymy, using the location of the headquarters to refer to the company itself. It is common in business and tech writing to avoid repetition.
A proper noun referring to a city in Washington, USA, commonly associated with the headquarters of Microsoft Corporation.
Redmond is usually formal, journalistic, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Something] is straight out of Redmond”
- “The Redmond way”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RED software from a MOUND (mond sounds like mound) – a hill of red software from Microsoft in Redmond.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLACE FOR THE INSTITUTION (Metonymy): 'Redmond' stands for the Microsoft corporation. CONTAINER: Redmond is seen as a container for Microsoft's culture and innovation.
Practice
Quiz
In technology journalism, 'Redmond' is most commonly used to refer to: