1830–40; named after Duke of Clarence (1765–1837), later William IV
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The brief, unsigned order on the Supreme Court's emergency docket did not provide an explanation, but Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented, indicating that they would have granted the state's request.
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026
In Flowers, Justice Clarence Thomas confidently declared in dissent that Mississippi could retry and convict Curtis Flowers.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
Jacobs’ lawyers — David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld, and Clarence Duchac — said in a joint statement Wednesday that they remain confident their client ultimately will not be charged in the matter.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
The man who became Buddy Bradley was born Clarence Bradley Epps in 1905 in Clarkesville, Ga. Orphaned at 14, he moved to Harrisburg, Pa., and soon went to work as a busboy.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
At some point, Clarence showed up and he flew over our heads and cawed and cawed.
From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
