Ellis Island
8
3.7
- proper noun
- /ˈɛlɪs ˈaɪlənd/
:
Isla Ellis
- I'm reminded of some folks of my grandfather's generation who came here via Ellis Island.
Examples
-
Mr. Gurr said he went to Ellis Island once before, in 2002, and found it fascinating.
Blog text (22) -
My grandfather shortened his name to Green when he got to Ellis Island.
Fiction book (1996) -
Your stay here in Ellis Island will not be long.
-
I guess you heard they took me back at Ellis Island, huh?
-
My sister is here on Ellis Island.
-
You work at Ellis Island?
-
But I'm gonna go tomorrow morning to Ellis Island and get you a visitor's pass to see your sister.
-
That mission later moved to Ellis Island when it opened in 1892.
Academic text (1999) -
I wanted to visit Ellis Island on September 11, 2001, to stand with my mother, his only surviving child, at his site of entry on my family's centennial.
Fiction book (2002) -
Now, we'll be seeing Ellis Island soon where millions of immigrants first set foot on American soil.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Ellis + island
The word 'island' makes it clear that the phrase refers to a landform surrounded by water, so learners who know the constituents will infer it is an island named 'Ellis'. However, the specific referent (its location in New York Bay and its historical role as the U.S. immigration station) is a proper‑name, culture‑specific fact that cannot be derived from the parts. Because part of the meaning (islandhood) is transparent but the critical historical/details are unpredictable, the expression is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Ellis Island is the small island in New York Bay where, from 1892 to 1954, millions of people arrived by ship and had their papers and health checked before they were allowed into the country. Because it was the place where newcomers took their first steps 'in America', Ellis Island now stands for the idea of starting a new life or the 'first step in America'.