benjamin

English

Etymology 1

From benzoin.

Noun

benjamin (countable and uncountable, plural benjamins)

  1. A balsamic resin from the bark of Styrax trees used in perfumes, incense, and medicine; benzoin resin.
  2. A type of tree which produces benzoin or has similar properties; specifically, Styrax benzoin, Lindera benzoin, or Ficus benjamina; a Benjamin bush.
  3. (Britain, informal, dated) A kind of upper coat for men.
    • 1826, The Atheneum: Volume 18, page 236
      something which is not long enough to constitute a benjamin, and too long for a dress coat or spencer

See also

Etymology 2

From the image of Benjamin Franklin on the US $100 bill.

Noun

benjamin (plural benjamins)

  1. (US, slang) Alternative form of Benjamin: a US $100 bill.

French

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /bɛ̃.ʒa.mɛ̃/

Etymology 1

From the biblical character Benjamin.

Noun

benjamin m (plural benjamins, feminine benjamine)

  1. youngest child (in a family)
  2. child loved disproportionally more by the parents in a family
  3. (sports) One of the age classes for children; varies by sport.

Etymology 2

After French Scrabble player Benjamin Hannuna.

Noun

benjamin m (plural benjamins)

  1. (Scrabble) A three-letter addition to the beginning of a word that creates another valid word, especially one that reaches a "triple word score" square.

Further reading
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