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Eric

1 American  
[er-ik] / ˈɛr ɪk /

noun

  1. Eric the Red.

  2. a male given name: ultimately from Germanic words meaning “one” and “ruler.”

ERIC 2 American  
[er-ik] / ˈɛr ɪk /

abbreviation

  1. Education Resources Information Center: a database of articles and reports on education-related topics.

eric British  
/ ˈɛrɪk /

noun

  1. (in old Irish law) a fine paid by a murderer to the family of his victim Compare wergild

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of eric

C16: from Irish eiric

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Heidecker, 50 years old, is known for the early sketch comedy series “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” as well as the podcast and show “Office Hours Live” and appearances in “Bridesmaids” and “Portlandia.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Eric Green, chief investment officer with Penn Capital in Philadelphia, also favors energy.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Dr. Eric Wherley saw Glannan needed a new valve.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

That exploration ultimately led him to USC, where Eric Musselman and his staff view the 7-footer as a centerpiece of their third portal haul in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Drew got in in front of me, blocking Eric from my line of vision.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

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.