# Caroline

/ˈkɛɹəˌɫaɪn/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. historical period

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

relating to the time when King Charles I or Charles II ruled England.

For teachers: pertaining to the reigns of Charles I (1625–1649) or Charles II (1660–1685) of England; occasionally applied to the reign of Charles III.

- The museum has a beautiful collection of Caroline furniture from the 1600s.
- The historian argued that Caroline political thought was far more complex than the simple 'divine right' narrative often suggests.

Usage: Usually capitalized; functions as a non-gradable adjective.

### 2. a person

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

a person who lived during the time of King Charles I or II.

For teachers: a person, especially a poet or soldier, living during the reign of Charles I or Charles II.

- He studied the lives of the Carolines who supported the king during the war.
- The anthology focuses on the works of the minor Carolines, whose lyric poetry often reflected the growing tensions of the mid-seventeenth century.

### 3. given name

noun · CEFR A1

a common female first name.

For teachers: a female given name of Germanic origin, a feminine form of Charles.

- Caroline is starting her new job at the hospital next Monday.
- The letter was addressed to Caroline, though the handwriting was so cramped it was difficult to be certain.

## Examples

- The museum has a beautiful collection of Caroline silver.
- The historian focused her research on Caroline poetry written during the early years of the king's reign.
- While the building's exterior appears strictly medieval, the interior features intricate Caroline woodwork that suggests a significant renovation took place during the mid-seventeenth century.

---

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.