Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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name
A placename
A deep water harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, United States in the Pacific.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
name
A placename
A naval base in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, United States: a US Navy base
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: government, military, politics, war
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
name
A placename
Alternative form of Pearl Harbour.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: alt-of, alternative
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
name
The attack on Pearl Harbor.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: historical, metonymically
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A sneak attack, often using underhanded measures.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A seminal dramatic event that unites a community and arouses it into action against an enemy.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To attack by surprise; to subject to a sneak attack.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: slang
Qualifier: often passive voice
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To take rudely by surprise.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: often, passive, rare, slang
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a harbor on Oahu to the west of Honolulu; location of a United States naval base that was attacked by the Japanese on 7 Dec 1941
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: seaport, haven, harbor, harbour
History
Calque of Hawaiian Wai Momi (“pearl water”). The extended senses allude to the surprise attack executed by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the harbor on December 7, 1941.
Across languages
31 source translations are retained for this English entry.
