Word
hughes
Phoneticshugh·es
/ˈhjuz/
Definitions
01a surname
n. a common last name for people from Wales, England, and other English-speaking places.
n. A widespread surname of Welsh and English origin, functioning as a patronymic derived from the personal name Hugh.
“Langston Hughes was a famous American poet who wrote about life in the city.”
“The literary scholar spent years researching the early manuscripts of Ted Hughes to understand the poet's creative process.”
General-service
Usage
Capitalized as a proper noun.
Teaching tip
Learners may encounter this name frequently in literature (Ted Hughes, Langston Hughes) or history (Howard Hughes).
02a place name
n. the name of several towns and areas in the United States and Australia.
n. A toponym used for various municipalities and administrative divisions, including cities in Arkansas and Alaska, and a suburb in Canberra.
“They drove through Hughes, Alaska, during their trip to the north.”
“The electoral division of Hughes in New South Wales was named in honour of a former Australian Prime Minister.”
Technical
Usage
Used as a proper noun for specific geographical locations.
Teaching tip
This is primarily relevant for learners studying geography or regional history.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/hughes