Johnson, Sam ‧ u ‧ el /ˈsæmjuəl/ BrE AmE
(1709–84), known as Dr Johnson, a British ↑ critic and dictionary writer, famous for his Dictionary of the English Language (1755). He was well-known in London society in the 18th century, and considered to be an excellent ↑ conversationalist (=his conversation was intelligent, amusing, and interesting) . He is often thought of in association with James ↑ Boswell , who wrote his life story.