Added 9 October 2026
metonym
/ˈmɛ.tə.nɪm/ noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about metonym at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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A word that names an object from a single characteristic of it or of a closely related object; a word used in metonymy.
Calling a government a "city hall" is using a metonym.
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A concept, idea, or word used to represent, typify, or stand in for a broader set of ideas.
See also: symbol, model, microcosm, archetype, exemplar, proxy
Origin
Back-formation from metonymy.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)