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Glite Dictionary
Belleau Wood

Belleau Wood

1 8.7
A place in northwest France where a major World War I battle happened in 1918
  • proper noun
  • /bɛˈloʊ wʊd/
translation icon : Bosque de Belleau
  • The battle of Belleau Wood marked a turning point for American forces in World War I.

Examples

  • The Marines fought bravely in the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I.

  • Known for its significance, Belleau Wood became a memorial site for those who served.

  • Many soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery at Belleau Wood.

  • Memorials at Belleau Wood continue to honor those who fought there.

  • The battle of Belleau Wood was a turning point in World War I.

  • Many soldiers fought bravely at Belleau Wood.

  • The heroic efforts of the soldiers at Belleau Wood are honored every year on Memorial Day.

Synonyms

Chateau-Thierry
vsBelleau Wood
9.9

A 1918 World War I battle in northern France where Allied forces beat German troops

refers to the same 1918 victory but named for the woodland site

Surface Forms

Belleau Wood main

Morphology

Belleau + wood

Belleau Wood is a proper name for a specific place and historical battle; the meaning ‘site of a WWI battle’ cannot be compositionally derived from the elements. Knowing 'wood' (a grove) and the unfamiliar name 'Belleau' does not indicate the historical/battle sense, and place names like this are arbitrary and require prior cultural or historical knowledge.

Etymology

Belleau Wood comes from the village Belleau and the small forest Wood, so imagine a little wood in France. In 1918 American troops fought a very hard battle there, so the name now brings to mind that fight and the 'bravery' and 'turning point' it became for them.