Hamlet

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hamlet

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HAM-lit  /ˈhæmlɪt/

Definition

A small settlement, smaller than a village and typically without a church; the title character of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy; a small cigar.

Plain meaning

A hamlet is a very small cluster of houses — smaller than a village, without its own church or formal administrative centre. Hamlet is also the Prince of Denmark in Shakespeare's most celebrated play.

Register

The settlement sense is neutral and technical in planning and geography contexts. Hamlet the Shakespeare character and play is known throughout the world; any reference to Hamlet in English carries the gravitational pull of the entire play. The cigar sense is historical and brand-specific.