Phillips

adjective

Phil·​lips ˈfi-ləps How to pronounce Phillips (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a screw having a head with a cross slot or the corresponding screwdriver

Word History

Etymology

from Phillips, a trademark, from Henry M. Phillips †1958 American engineer

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Phillips was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near Phillips

Cite this Entry

“Phillips.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Phillips. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Biographical Definition

Phillips 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Phil·​lips ˈfi-ləps How to pronounce Phillips (audio)
Wendell 1811–1884 American orator and reformer

Phillips

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

William D(aniel) 1948–     American physicist
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