audubon
|au-du-bon|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːdəbən/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːdəbɒn/
name associated with ornithology and bird conservation
Etymology
'Audubon' originates from French, specifically the family surname 'Audubon', which entered English usage as the name of the ornithologist John James Audubon.
'Audubon' entered English in the 19th century as the Anglicized form of the French surname borne by Jean-Jacques Audubon (who became known in English as John James Audubon); later the name was applied to organizations such as the National Audubon Society and to works associated with him.
Initially it functioned primarily as a family surname, but over time it has also come to denote institutions (e.g., the Audubon Society), members/supporters of those institutions, and adjectival uses relating to bird study and conservation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the surname of John James Audubon (1785–1851), an American ornithologist, naturalist, and painter known for his studies and illustrations of North American birds.
John James Audubon published a famous series of bird illustrations in the 19th century under the name Audubon.
Noun 2
short for the National Audubon Society or other organizations named after John James Audubon; used to refer to the organization itself or to a member/supporter.
She volunteers with the Audubon to help protect local bird habitats.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to John James Audubon, his works, or organizations named after him (e.g., Audubon programs, Audubon projects).
The Audubon guidebook contains many audubon illustrations and notes on habitat.
Last updated: 2025/11/18 15:14