Plural of Elizabethan; people who lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, or people from that era and culture.
From 'Elizabeth' (the queen's name, from Hebrew meaning 'God's oath') + '-an' (belonging to) + '-s' (plural). The term specifically refers to the 1558-1603 period.
The Elizabethans were obsessed with language, theater, exploration, and secret diplomacy—they basically invented modern spy craft, modern theater, and colonialism all at the same time.
Plural of Elizabethan, historically used to denote people of Elizabeth I's era. The term has defaulted to centering male poets, playwrights, and courtiers, rendering women intellectuals and artists less visible in literary and historical discourse.
When invoking 'Elizabethans,' explicitly include women: poets (Lanyer), playwrights, courtiers, and patrons who were integral to the cultural moment.
["people of Elizabeth I's court","Elizabethan-era figures"]
Women of the Elizabethan era were writers, patrons, and political actors; including them corrects a persistent historical elision.
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