Mel ‧ ville, Her ‧ man /ˈmelvɪl, ˈhɜːmən $ ˈhɜːr-/ BrE AmE
(1819–91) a US writer who wrote about his experiences as a sailor. His best-known book is MOBY-DICK , one of the most famous American novels, which was also made into a well-known film. He also wrote Billy Budd , a story which Benjamin ↑ Britten used in his ↑ opera of the same name.