ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wilson

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈwɪɫsən// wil·son

n. a very common English family name. You will see it used for many famous people, including a former American president.

n. a common English-language surname of patronymic origin, meaning 'son of Will'. When used as a proper name, it identifies specific individuals, historical figures, or geographical locations.


SIMPLE

Mr. Wilson is our new history teacher.

CONTEXTUAL

The local library is named after the Wilson family, who donated the land fifty years ago.

COMPLEX

Woodrow Wilson served as the 28th President of the United States, leading the country through the First World War and advocating for the League of Nations.

Origin

From Will (short form of William) + -son.

Usage

When referring to a family as a group, it is used in the plural with a definite article: 'The Wilsons'.

© 2026 English Reference