tom jones: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal (when referring to the singer); Literary/Formal (when referring to the novel)
Quick answer
What does “tom jones” mean?
The name of the famous Welsh singer Sir Thomas Jones Woodward.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of the famous Welsh singer Sir Thomas Jones Woodward.
A cultural icon associated with popular music from the 1960s onwards, particularly known for his energetic performances and longevity in the entertainment industry. Can also refer to the titular protagonist of Henry Fielding's 1749 novel 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Tom Jones' is almost exclusively associated with the singer, a national treasure. In the US, the singer is also well-known, but the literary reference to Fielding's novel might be slightly more prominent in educated discourse.
Connotations
UK: Nostalgia, showmanship, Welsh pride, popular culture. US: For the singer: a classic pop performer; for the novel: an important work of 18th-century literature.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK media and conversation due to the singer's enduring celebrity status there.
Grammar
How to Use “tom jones” in a Sentence
[Person] saw Tom Jones in concert.[Person] is a fan of Tom Jones.The novel 'Tom Jones' was written by Henry Fielding.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tom jones” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The crowd was totally Tom Jonesed after his incredible set.
- He can still Tom Jones a ballad like no one else.
American English
- She tried to Tom Jones her way through the classic hit.
adverb
British English
- He sang Tom Jones-ly, with great power and flair.
American English
- She performed the song Tom Jones-style.
adjective
British English
- He has a real Tom Jones quality to his voice.
- It was a Tom Jones-level performance.
American English
- The party had a very Tom Jones vibe, with lots of classic pop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in entertainment or publishing industries.
Academic
Common in literature departments discussing 18th-century English novels.
Everyday
Common in UK conversation regarding music, TV, or celebrity gossip.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tom jones”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tom jones”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tom jones”
- Using 'Tom Jones' to refer to an ordinary person named Thomas Jones.
- Confusing the singer with the literary character without contextual clues.
- Misspelling as 'Tom John'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, his birth name is Sir Thomas John Woodward. 'Tom Jones' is his stage name.
He is most famous as a Welsh singer with a powerful voice and a career spanning over six decades, with hits like 'It's Not Unusual', 'What's New Pussycat?', and 'Delilah'.
The novel 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling' was written by the English author Henry Fielding and published in 1749.
No, there is no relation. The singer chose his stage name independently of the novel. It is a coincidence of names.
The name of the famous Welsh singer Sir Thomas Jones Woodward.
Tom jones is usually informal (when referring to the singer); literary/formal (when referring to the novel) in register.
Tom jones: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒm ˈdʒəʊnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːm ˈdʒoʊnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not unusual (referencing his famous song).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Tom' the common name, and 'Jones' as in 'keeping up with the Joneses' – he's a famous Jones everyone knows.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONGEVITY IS A LONG-RUNNING SHOW (for the singer); A JOURNEY IS A PICARESQUE NOVEL (for the character).
Practice
Quiz
In a literature class, 'Tom Jones' most likely refers to: