# Andrew

/ˈændɹu/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/andrew
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. male name

noun · CEFR A1

a common name for a man or boy.

For teachers: a common male given name, derived from the Greek word for 'manly'.

- My brother Andrew is starting university in London this September.
- The name Andrew has remained a staple of English nomenclature for centuries, partly due to its association with the patron saint of Scotland.

### 2. the Royal Navy

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

a slang name used by sailors for the British Royal Navy.

For teachers: a traditional slang term for the British Royal Navy, often used with the definite article.

- He spent twenty years in the Andrew before retiring to the coast.
- Life in the Andrew was rigorous, but it provided him with a sense of discipline that served him well in his later civilian career.

Usage: Usually used with the definite article: 'the Andrew'.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific piece of naval slang; most English speakers will only know Andrew as a first name.

## Examples

- My friend Andrew lives in London.
- The manager asked Andrew to lead the meeting because he has the most experience with the project.
- Throughout history, the name Andrew has been borne by kings, saints, and scholars, maintaining its status as a foundational masculine name in Western culture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.