Bernie — English Dictionary

Proper noun

1. A unisex given name. A diminutive of the male given name Bernard, also used as a formal given name.

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   A similar arrangement was made for her son Bernard, named in honor of the great Carthusian mystic (at least, that is what Jim Gaffney would softly tell Mrs. Kozinski) and of Bernie Astor, the publicist.

   With Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ decision to end his campaign on Wednesday, it’s now official: Former Vice President Joe Biden will be the Democratic presidential nominee this fall.

2. A unisex given name. A diminutive of the female given names Bernice and Bernadette.

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   To catch a nearer view of the coming ship, now much larger than the mere speck it had at first appeared, little Bernice, or Bernie, as she was most lovingly called at home, had moved far in advance of her mother, till now she stood quite near to the edge of the wharf.

Noun

1. A Bernese mountain dog.

   Usage

   • Informal