nominal

[ nom-uh-nl ]

adjective

1. being such in name only; so-called; putative:

   a nominal treaty;

   the nominal head of the country.

   Synonyms: formal, titular

2. (of a price, consideration, etc.) named as a mere matter of form, being trifling in comparison with the actual or expected amount or value; minimal or insignificant:

   a nominal fee;

   a nominal improvement.

3. of, relating to, or constituting a name or names.
4. Grammar.
   1. of, relating to, or producing a noun or nouns:

      a nominal suffix.

   2. functioning as or like a noun.
5. assigned to a person by name:

   nominal shares of stock.

6. containing, bearing, or giving a name or names.
7. (of money, income, or the like) measured in an amount rather than in real value:

   Nominal wages have risen 50 percent, but real wages are down because of inflation.

8. Chiefly Aerospace. performing or achieved within expected, acceptable limits; normal and satisfactory:

   The mission was nominal throughout.

noun

1. Grammar. a word or group of words functioning as a noun.

nominal

/ ˈnɒmɪnəl /

adjective

1. in name only; theoretical

   the nominal leader

2. minimal in comparison with real worth or what is expected; token

   a nominal fee

3. of, relating to, constituting, bearing, or giving a name
4. grammar of or relating to a noun or noun phrase

noun

1. grammar a nominal element; a noun, noun phrase, or syntactically similar structure
2. Leisure:Bell-ringing the harmonic an octave above the strike tone of a bell

Derived Forms

• ˈnominally, adverb

Other Words From

• pre·nom·i·nal adjective
• un·nom·i·nal adjective
• un·nom·i·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominal¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English nominalle “of a noun,” from Latin nōminālis “of, belonging to a name or names, nominal,” equivalent to nōmin- (stem of nōmen ) + -ālis adjective suffix; nomen, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominal¹

C15: from Latin nōminālis of a name, from nōmen name

Example Sentences

Rochdale Borough Council said it had agreed to sell the building to Mr DePree for a "nominal fee" if he could come up with a viable business plan, and had renewed and extended the agreement several times.

From BBC

It also allows us to secure ingredients and products that are in nominal supply, as well as highlight certain farmers and producers who work with more limited availability.

From Salon

While most mines are managed by the federal government, state officials lease out small parts of land to prospective miners every year at nominal prices.

From BBC

But can selling off empty, derelict properties for a nominal amount help solve urban blight?

From BBC

Bureau of Economic Analysis, said California is the 5th-largest economy in the world with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• minimal
• symbolic
• token