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).
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.
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.