Whitaker

American  

[hwit-uh-ker, wit-] / ˈʰwɪt ə kər, ˈwɪt- /

noun

1. a male given name.

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Whitaker British  

/ ˈwɪtəkə /

noun

1. Sir Frederick. 1812–91, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1863–64; 1882–83)

2. Forrest (Steven) , born 1961, US actor and film director; his films include (as actor) Ghost Dog (1999) and The Last King of Scotland (2006); (as director) Waiting to Exhale (1995)

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Example Sentences

Howell plays fourth-year medical student Dennis Whitaker in the popular HBO drama, which follows the daily lives of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburgh hospital.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Messi has infused Miami with buzz, drawing more tourists to the area, said David Whitaker, chief executive of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Progressive Christian voices, including influencer and commentator Tim Whitaker, described the comparison as “blasphemous,” reflecting a broader concern that religious language is being used in ways that distort core theological meaning.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

At age 39, Jordan joins a small circle of Black actors who have won the prestigious best actor Oscar, after Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

The major team match against the Capablanca Chess Club was disappointing for the Americans: though Bobby and Whitaker won their games, the five other Americans lost.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady