English Reference

Word

hemingway

Phoneticshem·ing·way

/ˈhɛmɪŋˌweɪ/

Definition

n. a famous American writer known for his short, direct sentences and stories about brave men and adventure.

n. refers to Ernest Hemingway, the 20th-century American novelist and short-story writer noted for a minimalist, economical prose style. Often used as a modifier to describe writing that is direct, masculine, or devoid of ornamentation.

Examples

“The young journalist tried to write in a Hemingway style.”

“Critics often compare any author who uses short, punchy sentences to Hemingway.”

“The novel's sparse dialogue and focus on physical endurance under pressure are clearly influenced by the Hemingway tradition of American realism.”

Examples

simple

“The young journalist tried to write in a Hemingway style.”

contextual

“Critics often compare any author who uses short, punchy sentences to Hemingway.”

complex

“The novel's sparse dialogue and focus on physical endurance under pressure are clearly influenced by the Hemingway tradition of American realism.”

Usage

When used as a common noun, it typically refers to a style of writing or a person who mimics the author's persona.

Real-World Examples

“Anyone who can do the splits and come back up on the backbeat … well, I’ll follow them anywhere.” It was writers who were the object of his youthful idolatry: Hemingway, Fitzgerald.”
The Guardian · 13 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference