Calvin

American  

[kal-vin] / ˈkæl vɪn /

noun

1. John Jean Chauvin or Caulvin, 1509–64, French theologian and reformer in Switzerland: leader in the Protestant Reformation.

2. Melvin, 1911–97, U.S. chemist: Nobel Prize 1961.

3. a male given name: from a Latin word meaning “bald.”

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Calvin British  

/ ˈkælvɪn /

noun

1. John, original name Jean Cauvin, Caulvin, or Chauvin. 1509–64, French theologian: a leader of the Protestant Reformation in France and Switzerland, establishing the first presbyterian government in Geneva. His theological system is described in his Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536)

2. Melvin. 1911–97, US chemist, noted particularly for his research on photosynthesis: Nobel prize for chemistry 1961

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Calvin Scientific  

/ kăl′vĭn /

1. American chemist who won a Nobel Prize in 1961 for determining the chemical reactions that occur during photosynthesis. This series of reactions is now known as the Calvin cycle.

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Example Sentences

PVH cratered 23% after the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein owner cut its fiscal-year revenue guidance, citing the war in Iran.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

At the time, he was making the rounds promoting his campaign for Calvin Klein’s Eternity fragrance, which had been reformulated to reflect modern tastes.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

The music icon award was presented to DJ and producer Calvin Harris for "helping shape the sound of contemporary dance and pop over the last two decades".

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Kohler previously served as chief executive of PVH Americas, overseeing Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

“Because maybe, the way things grow there …” I started to tell him my idea, but Calvin didn’t let me finish.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney