baldwin
n. countablen. a famous family name, most often used to talk about James Baldwin, a great American writer who wrote about race and society. You might also see it when people talk about famous actors or historical figures with this name.
n. a common English surname, most notably identifying James Baldwin (1924–1987), the American novelist and essayist known for his work on racial and social issues. When used as a proper name, it functions as a specific identifier for various historical and cultural figures.
I am reading a powerful essay by Baldwin for my class.
The professor argued that Baldwin's insights into the American identity remain relevant decades after they were written.
Scholars often revisit Baldwin to understand the intersection of personal identity and systemic pressure, noting how his prose bridges the gap between individual experience and national history.
From Proto-West Germanic Balþawini, from Proto-Germanic Balþawiniz (“bold friend”).
When referring to the author James Baldwin, it is frequently used without a first name after the initial mention.