collins

Everyday

1. (a name) Collins is a common surname in Ireland, the UK, the USA and Australia, from the old Irish and English family names. tree →
2. Collins is also the name of a well-known British publisher of dictionaries and school books (Collins Dictionary). tree →
3. (rare) A collins, like a Tom Collins, is a tall cold mixed drink for adults made with lemon juice, sugar and fizzy water. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons you meet Collins as a person's surname in a story or as the name on a dictionary cover; it tells the reader who someone is or which book is used. Famous people named Collins include the Irish leader Michael Collins and the astronaut Michael Collins, who flew to the Moon on Apollo 11 but stayed in orbit. Phrases: «Mr Collins», «Mrs Collins», «the Collins Dictionary».

Examples

• Mrs Collins is our new class teacher. tree →
• Look the word up in the Collins Dictionary. tree →
• Michael Collins flew round the Moon while the others walked on it. tree →
• The Collins family live next door to us. tree →
• Is your surname spelled Collins with two l's? tree →
• Dad ordered a Tom Collins at the wedding, and I had lemonade. tree →

Note

A name, so it starts with a capital letter: Collins. Spelled with double l. The possessive is «Collins's» or «Collins'» (both are used). Not a general English word; do not invent facts about a person called Collins.