sheridan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary, Historical
Quick answer
What does “sheridan” mean?
A proper noun, primarily a surname of Irish origin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, primarily a surname of Irish origin.
Most commonly refers to the Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan; also used as a place name for various towns and counties, and occasionally as a given name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the primary association is with the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In American English, it is more commonly encountered as a place name (e.g., Sheridan, Wyoming) or surname, with the theatrical association being less prominent.
Connotations
In the UK, connotations are literary, 18th-century theatre, and wit. In the US, connotations are more geographical or personal (as a name).
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to the canonical status of Sheridan's plays in literature curricula.
Grammar
How to Use “sheridan” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sheridan” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Sheridanesque wit
- a Sheridan comedy
American English
- Sheridan style
- Sheridan architecture
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except potentially in company names (e.g., 'Sheridan Hotels').
Academic
Used in literary, drama, and history departments when discussing 18th-century comedy.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation unless referring to a specific person, place, or institution with that name.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sheridan”
- Using it uncapitalised (e.g., 'a sheridan play').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'He is a sheridan of our time.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively a proper noun (a surname or place name) and should be capitalised.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816), the Irish playwright, politician, and theatre manager.
Yes, in a limited, attributive sense to describe things relating to Richard Brinsley Sheridan (e.g., Sheridan comedy) or a place named Sheridan (e.g., Sheridan community).
It is pronounced /ˈʃɛrɪdən/ (SHERR-i-dən) in both British and American English.
A proper noun, primarily a surname of Irish origin.
Sheridan is usually formal, literary, historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHE writes plays, but HE (RICHARD) is the famous Sheridan.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for proper nouns.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Sheridan' most likely to be used in British English?