Babbitt
pronunciation
How to pronounce Babbitt in British English:
UK [ˈbæbɪt]
How to pronounce Babbitt in American English:
US ['bæbɪt]
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- Noun:
- an alloy of tin with some copper and antimony; an anti-friction lining for bearings
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- Verb:
- line with a Babbitt metal
Word Origin
- Babbitt (n.)
- "conventional, complacent, materialistic American businessman," 1923, from George Babbitt, title character of Sinclair Lewis' novel (1922). His name was George F. Babbitt. He was forty-six years old now, in April 1920, and he made nothing in particular, neither butter nor shoes nor poetry, but he was nimble in the selling of houses for more money than people could afford to pay. [Sinclair Lewis, "Babbitt," 1922]
Example
- 1. Bruce babbitt had been one of my favorite fellow governors .
- 2. Babbitt is far from being a contemptible figure .
- 3. When babbitt refuses to conform , they shun him , and his business begins to suffer .
- 4. Babbitt had some unusual skills , which jerry discovered he had , too .
- 5. Babbitt was an official delegate .