Wesley

American  

[wes-lee, wez-] / ˈwɛs li, ˈwɛz- /

noun

1. Charles, 1707–88, English evangelist and hymnist.

2. his brother John, 1703–91, English theologian and evangelist: founder of Methodism.

3. a male given name.

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Wesley British  

/ ˈwɛzlɪ /

noun

1. John . 1703–91, English preacher who founded Methodism

2. Mary, pseudonym of Mary Aline Siepmann. 1912–2003, British writer: her novels include The Camomile Lawn (1984) and An Imaginative Experience (1994)

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Example Sentences

As for Mr. Dylan, following a 1966 motorcycle accident he retrenched and issued “John Wesley Harding,” an almost aggressively minimalist departure from the maximalist work that preceded it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Taylor, born James Wesley Voight in Yonkers, N.Y., in 1940, was actor Jon Voight’s brother, but built a formidable music career outside of his famous sibling’s shadow.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

There was further criticism for others, including defender Wesley Fofana, while even star attackers Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro struggled to create as Chelsea went goalless for a third consecutive match.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

For Wesley Wark, a national security expert at the Center for International Governance Innovation, icebreaker fleets are a key part of the defense innovation required to safeguard Canada's position.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

So it was when George and Wesley picked up their fiddle and banjo on days of carousing.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead