Holmes

American  

[hohmz, hohlmz] / hoʊmz, hoʊlmz /

noun

1. John Haynes 1879–1964, U.S. clergyman.

2. Oliver Wendell 1809–94, U.S. poet, novelist, essayist, and physician.

3. his son Oliver Wendell, 1841–1935, U.S. jurist: associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court 1902–32.

4. Sherlock, a detective in many mystery stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

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Holmes British  

/ həʊmz /

noun

1. Oliver Wendell. 1809–94, US author, esp of humorous essays, such as The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table (1858) and its sequels

2. his son, Oliver Wendell. 1841–1935, US jurist, noted for his liberal judgments

3. Sir Paul .1950–2013, New Zealand radio and television broadcaster; presenter of The Paul Holmes Breakfast , (1987–2008)

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Holmes Scientific  

/ hōmz,hōlmz /

1. British geologist who pioneered a method of determining the age of rocks by measuring their radioactive components. He was also an early supporter of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift.

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Example Sentences

Speaking of Holmes, “Sherlock” co-creator and co-star Mark Gatiss is up to it again, this time in the leading role.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, walked out of his office empty-handed.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

Modeled after a monk’s robe and a nun’s habit, Holmes combined Christian inspiration with the miniskirt trend, which some people found fun, while others labeled it offensive.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

“Everybody’s all in for fairness,” Mets pitcher Clay Holmes said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Apparently Holmes had made prior arrangements with an express agent to pick up the box and load it on a train.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson