nelson

noun

nel·​son ˈnel-sən How to pronounce nelson (audio)
: a wrestling hold marked by the application of leverage against an opponent's arm, neck, and head compare full nelson, half nelson

Word History

Etymology

probably from the name Nelson

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nelson was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near nelson

Cite this Entry

“Nelson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nelson. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Geographical Definition

Nelson

geographical name

Nel·​son ˈnel-sən How to pronounce Nelson (audio)
1
river 400 miles (644 kilometers) long in Manitoba, Canada, flowing from the northern end of Lake Winnipeg to Hudson Bay
2
city and port at the head of a bay on the northern coast of the South Island, New Zealand population 37,943

Biographical Definition

Nelson

biographical name

Nel·​son ˈnel-sən How to pronounce Nelson (audio)
Horatio 1758–1805 Viscount Nelson British admiral

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