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Bunker Hill

Bunker Hill

6.7
A hill near Boston where British and American colonial soldiers fought in 1775
  • proper noun
  • /ˈbʌŋkər hɪl/
translation icon : Bunker Hill
  • The Battle of Bunker Hill was a pivotal moment in the American War of Independence in 1775.
  • the Battle of Bunker Hill

Examples

  • Did you know that Bunker Hill is located in Charlestown, Massachusetts?

  • The battle of Bunker Hill was a significant event in American history.

  • Many tourists visit the Bunker Hill Monument when exploring Boston's historic sites.

  • She wrote a research paper on the significance of Bunker Hill in American history.

  • The Battle of Bunker Hill demonstrated the determination of the colonial forces early in the Revolution.

  • During the Revolution, the British forces faced fierce resistance at Bunker Hill from colonial troops.

  • The legacy of Bunker Hill is remembered as one of the first significant battles fought by American patriots.

Synonyms

Battle of Bunker Hill
vsBunker Hill
1 4.7

An early battle of the American Revolution near Boston in which the British won but suffered heavy losses

is the specific place where that fight occurred rather than the fighting event
Breed's Hill
vsBunker Hill
7.4

A hill in Charlestown, Boston where most of the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill was fought

is the named location for that battle rather than the battle itself

Surface Forms

Morphology

Bunker + hill

This is a toponym referring to a specific historical site and battle; knowing the literal constituents ('bunker' and 'hill') does not let a learner infer the event, date, or significance (the 1775 battle and its outcome). Because the expression denotes a particular historical referent rather than a meaning compositional from its parts, it is not predictable for a B1 learner and should be treated as opaque.

Etymology

Bunker Hill is the name of a real hill near Boston where colonists and British soldiers fought a major battle in 1775. The colonists stood on the top of the hill and many British soldiers were killed or wounded, so Bunker Hill now refers to that early 'battle' and the historic 'site'.