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

“They were in a stretch right there where every single day, they were getting a stud hurt. They put together a winning streak against the Tigers, then Clay Holmes has the comebacker break his ankle.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

US feelings about King Charles are further complicated by his complex relationship with son Prince Harry, Holmes added.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said External link “taxes are what we pay for civilized society,” suggesting we get what we pay for.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

As Sherlock Holmes famously said, “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann