lafayette
lafayette Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A French aristocrat and military officer (Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette) who fought in the American Revolutionary War, commanding American troops in several major battles.
"During the American Revolution, Lafayette became a trusted commander and close friend of George Washington."
American A major city in southern Louisiana, United States, recognized globally as the cultural, economic, and historical center of the region's Cajun and Creole heritage (Acadiana).
"We traveled to Lafayette to experience authentic Cajun cuisine and attend the local zydeco music festival."
American A city in west-central Indiana, United States, situated along the Wabash River and located adjacent to West Lafayette, the home of Purdue University.
"The manufacturing sector in Lafayette provides substantial employment for residents in the surrounding Indiana counties."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the United States, 'Lafayette' frequently refers to various cities, counties, and institutions named after the Marquis de Lafayette; when discussing the historical figure himself, he is typically referred to by his full title.
• Rhymes for lafayette
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the French aristocratic surname and estate name 'La Fayette,' originally meaning 'little beech wood' (from Latin 'fagus', meaning beech tree). It became highly prevalent as a place name in the United States to honor the Marquis de Lafayette's contributions to the American Revolution.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.