spencer

1 of 2

noun (1)

spen·​cer ˈspen(t)-sər How to pronounce spencer (audio)
: a short waist-length jacket

spencer

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a trysail abaft the foremast or mainmast

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

George John, second earl Spencer †1834 English politician

Noun (2)

probably from the name Spencer

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1795, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spencer was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near spencer

Cite this Entry

“Spencer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spencer. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Biographical Definition

Spencer

biographical name

Spen·​cer ˈspen(t)-sər How to pronounce Spencer (audio)
Herbert 1820–1903 English philosopher
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!