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Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battles of Lexington and Concord

6.5
The first fights in April 1775 between American colonists and British soldiers that begin the war for independence
  • proper noun
  • /ˈbætəlz əv ˈlɛksɪŋtən ənd kənˈkɔrd/
translation icon : Batallas de Lexington y Concord
  • The anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord is commemorated every year in Massachusetts.

Examples

  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord were pivotal in American history.

  • Many historians consider the Battles of Lexington and Concord a turning point in the struggle for American independence.

  • Schoolchildren learn about Paul Revere's ride, which warned colonists before the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

  • Did you know that the Battles of Lexington and Concord started the Revolutionary War?

  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord were crucial in igniting the American Revolutionary War.

  • April 19, 1775, marked the day when the Battles of Lexington and Concord began the conflict between the Thirteen Colonies and Britain.

  • Many historians regard the Battles of Lexington and Concord as the starting point of open warfare in the American Revolution.

Synonyms

Lexington and Concord
vsBattles of Lexington and Concord
6.7

The first battle of the war for American independence on April 19, 1775 in Massachusetts

is the broader set marking the start of open armed conflict with Britain

Surface Forms

Morphology

battle + of + Lexington + and + Concord

The phrase is compositionally built from 'battles' and the place names 'Lexington' and 'Concord', so a learner who knows the constituents will understand it refers to armed engagements that took place at those towns. Detailed historical significance (that they were the first engagements of the American Revolutionary War) is encyclopedic knowledge beyond the words themselves, but the basic referential meaning is transparent.

Etymology

Battles of Lexington and Concord are named for the two towns, Lexington and Concord, where the first fights between American colonists and British soldiers took place on April 19, 1775. Because these were the first battles, the name now stands for the 'start of the war' for American independence.