Oscar

¹ American  

[os-ker] / ˈɒs kər /

noun

1. a word used in communications to represent the letter O.

2. a male given name: from Old English words meaning “god” and “spear.”

3. Military. the NATO name for a class of nuclear-powered submarines armed with cruise missiles, designed to attack aircraft carriers and escort ships: first produced for the Soviet Navy in the 1970s; in service with the Russian Navy since 1992.

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Oscar ² American  

[os-ker] / ˈɒs kər /

Trademark.

1. one of a group of statuettes awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion-picture production and performance.

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Oscar ³ American  

[os-ker] / ˈɒs kər /

noun

1. one of a series of small communications satellites, launched into polar orbit as piggyback passengers on U.S. launch vehicles, for unrestricted use by radio amateurs.

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oscar ¹ British  

/ ˈɒskə /

noun

1. slang cash; money

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Oscar ² British  

/ ˈɒskə /

noun

1. 1. Official name: Academy Award.  any of several small gold statuettes awarded annually in the United States by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievements in films

   2. (sometimes not capital) an award made in recognition of outstanding endeavour in any of various other fields

      the TV Oscars

2. (without capital) any annual award for excellence

3. communications a code word for the letter o

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Oscar Cultural  

1. A small statue given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to winners of its annual awards. (See Academy Awards.)

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Usage

What are the Oscars? The Oscars is a popular name for the Academy Awards—an annual award ceremony hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to honor excellence in film. The award presented during the ceremony—a statuette in the form of a gold-plated figure—is called an Academy Award, but it is popularly known as an Oscar. (It’s officially called the Academy Award of Merit.)Although the term Oscars originated as an informal nickname, it’s the most common way of referring to both the awards and the ceremony, and is even used in an official capacity by the Academy itself. Winning an Oscar is often considered the most prestigious honor in the film industry, and the ceremony is often seen as the premiere awards show event, known for being attended by many top celebrities in the film and entertainment industry. Awards are presented in many different categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Director.

Etymology

Origin of Oscar²

Allegedly named in 1931 by Margaret Herrick, librarian and later executive secretary at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, after her uncle

Origin of Oscar³

First recorded in 1980–85; o(rbiting) s(atellite) c(arrying) a(mateur) r(adio)

Example Sentences

That’s right, Gunderson, the name made famous by that other Minnesota noir, the Coen brothers’ 1996 hit “Fargo,” for which Frances McDormand won an Oscar playing a very pregnant police chief, Marge Gunderson.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

The Oscar winner plays an innocent death-row inmate in a drama inspired by a documentary and co-starring Tessa Thompson.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The pair led Warner Bros. to 30 Oscar nominations — more than any other studio this year — and 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Oscar Balmen, a journalist and analyst specializing in crime and security in Mexico, said García Harfuch’s heroic image has even begun to shift underworld culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Oscar is actually only half Dominican, on his mother’s side.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez