Natalie Wood

7 3.3

Famous American film actress who acted in West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause

proper noun
/ˈnætəli wʊd/

: Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood starred in the classic film 'West Side Story,' showcasing her incredible talent.

Examples

Many critics regard Natalie Wood as one of Hollywood's most talented actresses.
Natalie Wood starred in several classic films during the 1950s and 1960s.
The mysterious death of Natalie Wood remains a topic of public fascination.
I watched a classic film starring Natalie Wood last night.
Natalie Wood was an iconic actress of her time.
Many people admire Natalie Wood for her performances in movies like 'Rebel Without a Cause.'
The impact of Natalie Wood on American cinema is still felt today, with many remembering her iconic roles.

Surface Forms

Natalie Wood main

Morphology

Natalie + Wood

This is a proper name referring to a specific person; the referent (an American film actress and her filmography) cannot be derived from the literal meanings of the constituents. Knowing the words 'Natalie' and 'wood' (or the word 'wood') gives no clue to the identity or profession, so the expression is non-compositional and unpredictable for learners.

Etymology

Natalie Wood refers to an American film actress who became a big star in the 1950s and 1960s. She played famous roles in movies like 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'West Side Story', and her sudden, mysterious death has kept people interested, so her name often brings to mind both her great acting and the real-life mystery.