Word
harvard
Phoneticshar·vard
/ˈhɑɹvɝd/
Definitions
01the university
n. a very famous and high-quality university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
n. a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 1636 and widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world.
“She worked hard for years because her dream was to study at Harvard.”
“The research conducted at Harvard has significantly influenced global policy on public health and economic development over the last century.”
Usage
Usually used as a proper noun without an article.
02a student or graduate
n. a person who goes to or graduated from Harvard University.
n. a student or alumnus of Harvard University; occasionally used to imply high academic achievement or social status.
“He is a Harvard, so people expect him to be very smart.”
“Being a Harvard often opens doors in the financial sector that remain closed to graduates of less prestigious institutions.”
Informal
Usage
Used as a countable noun to refer to a person.
Teaching tip
In casual conversation, calling someone 'a Harvard' can sometimes sound slightly sarcastic or imply they are elitist.
Etymology
A variant of Harward reflecting the merger of /v/ and /w/ in the dialects of southeastern England; thus from Middle English Herward, Herreward, itself from Old English Hereweard and a doublet of Harward and Hereward. Compare German Herwarth.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/harvard