Fleming

¹ American  

[flem-ing] / ˈflɛm ɪŋ /

noun

1. a native of Flanders.

2. a Flemish-speaking Belgian.

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Fleming ² American  

[flem-ing] / ˈflɛm ɪŋ /

noun

1. Sir Alexander, 1881–1955, Scottish bacteriologist and physician: discoverer of penicillin 1928; Nobel Prize in Medicine 1945.

2. Ian (Lancaster), 1908–64, British writer of suspense novels.

3. Peggy (Gale), born 1948, U.S. figure skater.

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Fleming ¹ British  

/ ˈflɛmɪŋ /

noun

1. Sir Alexander . 1881–1955, Scottish bacteriologist: discovered lysozyme (1922) and penicillin (1928): shared the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine in 1945

2. Ian ( Lancaster ). 1908–64, English author of spy novels; creator of the secret agent James Bond

3. Sir John Ambrose . 1849–1945, English electrical engineer: invented the thermionic valve (1904)

4. Renée . born 1959, US operatic soprano and songwriter

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Fleming ² British  

/ ˈflɛmɪŋ /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Flanders or a Flemish-speaking Belgian Compare Walloon

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Fleming ¹ Scientific  

/ flĕm′ĭng /

1. Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin in 1928. The drug was developed and purified 11 years later by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, with whom Fleming shared the 1945 Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine. Fleming was also the first to administer typhoid vaccines to humans.

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Fleming ² Scientific  

1. British physicist and electrical engineer who devised the first electron tube in 1904. His invention was essential to the development of radio, television, and early computer circuitry. Fleming also helped develop electric devices designed for large-scale use, such as the electric lamp.

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Etymology

Origin of Fleming

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle Dutch Vlaeminc, equivalent to Vlaem- ( Flemish ) + -ing -ing ³; late Old English Flæming perhaps < Old Frisian

Example Sentences

Deighton once credited the success of “The Ipcress File,” his debut novel, to the fact that critics “used me as a blunt instrument to beat Ian Fleming over the head.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin after mould accidentally contaminated a laboratory dish and killed surrounding bacteria.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

It is the firm famed for making the car James Bond drives, but its history has been almost as turbulent as some of the adventures of the Ian Fleming hero.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

A number of artists have in recent months called off appearances, including a production of the musical "Hamilton," operatic soprano Renee Fleming and composer Philip Glass.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Mr. Fleming sat on a spindly chair with one of the good teacups perched on his knee, his delivery pouch at his feet.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly