First Battle of Bull Run

7.9

A major early Civil War battle fought in July 1861 near Manassas, Virginia that the Confederate army won

proper noun
/fɜrst ˈbætəl əv bʊl rʌn/

: Primera Batalla de Bull Run

The First Battle of Bull Run was a significant event.

Examples

Tourists often visit the site where the First Battle of Bull Run took place in 1861.
Did you know about the First Battle of Bull Run?
Many historians consider the First Battle of Bull Run as a turning point in early Civil War morale.
The aftermath of the First Battle of Bull Run shocked both Northern and Southern citizens.
The Union Army suffered a significant defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861.
The First Battle of Bull Run was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, showcasing the determination of Confederate forces.
During the First Battle of Bull Run, many soldiers faced unexpected challenges on the battlefield.

Surface Forms

First Battle of Bull Run main

Morphology

first + battle + of + Bull + Run

The phrase is compositionally built from 'first' + 'battle' + 'of' + a place name (Bull Run), so a learner who knows the words will understand it denotes the first battle that took place at a location called Bull Run. While historical specifics (date, significance, outcome) are not inferable from the parts, the core referential meaning follows a common 'Battle of X' pattern and is therefore transparent to learners.

Etymology

First Battle of Bull Run is named after a nearby stream called Bull Run, where Union and Confederate armies met in July 1861. Because it was the first big fight of the American Civil War, the name now refers to 'the first major battle of the American Civil War'.