appellative

[ uh-pel-uh-tiv ]

noun

1. a descriptive name or designation, as Bald in Charles the Bald.
2. a common noun.

adjective

1. designative; descriptive.
2. tending toward or serving for the assigning of names:

   the appellative function of some primitive rites.

3. pertaining to a common noun.

appellative

/ əˈpɛlətɪv /

noun

1. an identifying name or title; appellation
2. grammar another word for common noun

adjective

1. of or relating to a name or title
2. (of a proper noun) used as a common noun

Derived Forms

• apˈpellatively, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·pella·tive·ly adverb
• ap·pella·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of appellative¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin appellātīvus. See appellate, -ive

Example Sentences

Now a taxidermied water buffalo head — the ox — watches from above the bar, while the appellative bull is represented across from it in gleaming metal.

From Seattle Times

It will be seen at a glance that such appellatives are rare, by comparison, in the present day.

From Project Gutenberg

A common name, or appellative, stands for a whole class, genus, or species of beings, or for universal ideas.

From Project Gutenberg

So he can apply to himself whichever title he likes best; but whether he deserves either one or the other, depends on what he has done to merit the appellative.

From Project Gutenberg

This appellative is one belonging to a sacred place of pilgrimage sacred to Ayonija, whose miraculous birth was thus brought about.

From Project Gutenberg