name

[ neym ]

noun

1. a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known.
2. mere designation, as distinguished from fact:

   He was a king in name only.

3. an appellation, title, or epithet, applied descriptively, in honor, abuse, etc.
4. a reputation of a particular kind given by common opinion:

   to protect one's good name.

   Synonyms: credit, character, repute

5. a distinguished, famous, or great reputation; fame:

   to make a name for oneself.

   Synonyms: eminence, renown, distinction, note

6. a widely known or famous person; celebrity:

   She's a name in show business.

   Synonyms: personality

7. an unpleasant or derogatory appellation or expression:

   Don't call your brother names! Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.

8. a personal or family name as exercising influence or bringing distinction:

   With that name they can get a loan at any bank in town.

9. a body of persons grouped under one name, as a family or clan.
10. the verbal or other symbolic representation of a thing, event, property, relation, or concept.
11. (initial capital letter) a symbol or vehicle of divinity:

    to take the Name in vain; the power of the Name.

verb (used with object)

, named, nam·ing.

1. to give a name to:

   to name a baby.

2. to accuse:

   He was named as the thief.

3. to call by an epithet:

   They named her speedy.

   Synonyms: denominate, dub, nickname

4. to identify, specify, or mention by name:

   Three persons were named in the report.

5. to designate for some duty or office; nominate or appoint:

   I have named you for the position.

   Synonyms: choose

6. to specify; suggest:

   Name a price.

   Synonyms: mention

7. to give the name of:

   Can you name the capital of Ohio?

8. to speak of.
9. British. (in the House of Commons) to cite (a member) for contempt.

adjective

1. famous; widely known:

   a name author.

2. designed for or carrying a name.
3. giving its name or title to a collection or anthology containing it:

   the name piece.

name

/ neɪm /

noun

1. a word or term by which a person or thing is commonly and distinctively known nominal
2. mere outward appearance or form as opposed to fact (esp in the phrase in name )

   he was a ruler in name only

3. a word, title, or phrase descriptive of character, usually abusive or derogatory

   to call a person names

4. reputation, esp, if unspecified, good reputation

   he's made quite a name for himself

5. 1. a famous person or thing

      a name in the advertising world

   2. ( as modifier )

      a name product

6. a member of Lloyd's who provides part of the capital of a syndicate and shares in its profits or losses but does not arrange its business
7. in the name of or under the name of
   using as a name
8. in the name of
   1. for the sake of
   2. by the sanction or authority of
9. know by name
   to have heard of without having met
10. name of the game
    1. anything that is essential, significant, or important
    2. expected or normal conditions, circumstances, etc

       in gambling, losing money's the name of the game

11. to one's name
    belonging to one

    I haven't a penny to my name

verb

1. to give a name to; call by a name

   she named the child Edward

2. to refer to by name; cite

   he named three French poets

3. to determine, fix, or specify

   they have named a date for the meeting

4. to appoint to or cite for a particular title, honour, or duty; nominate

   he was named Journalist of the Year

5. to ban (an MP) from the House of Commons by mentioning him formally by name as being guilty of disorderly conduct
6. name and shame
   to reveal the identity of a person or organization guilty of illegal or unacceptable behaviour in order to embarrass them into not repeating the offence
7. name names
   to cite people, esp in order to blame or accuse them
8. name the day
   to choose the day for one's wedding
9. you name it
   whatever you need, mention, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈnamable, adjective

Other Words From

• namer noun
• re·name verb (used with object) renamed renaming
• self-named adjective
• under·name noun
• under·named adjective
• well-named adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of name¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English nama; cognate with German Name, Gothic namô; akin to Old Norse nafn, Latin nōmen, Greek ónoma, Old Irish ainm, Polish imię, Czech jméno

Word History and Origins

Origin of name¹

Old English nama, related to Latin nomen, Greek noma, Old High German namo, German Namen

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. by name,
   1. personally; individually:

      She was always careful to address every employee by name.

   2. not personally; by repute:

      I know him by name only.

2. call names, to scold or speak abusively of or to a person:

   Better not to call names unless one is larger and considerably stronger than one's adversary.

3. in the name of,
   1. with appeal to:

      In the name of mercy, stop that screaming!

   2. by the authority of:

      Open, in the name of the law!

   3. on behalf of:

      to purchase something in the name of another.

   4. under the name or possession of:

      money deposited in the name of a son.

   5. under the designation or excuse of:

      murder in the name of justice.

4. name names, to specify people by name, especially those who have been accomplices in a misdeed:

   The witness in the bribery investigation threatened to name names.

5. to one's name, in one's possession:

   I haven't a penny to my name.

More idioms and phrases containing name

• call names
• clear one's name
• drop names
• give a bad name
• go by (the name of)
• handle to one's name
• in name only
• in the name of
• make a name for oneself
• on a first-name basis
• take someone's name in vain
• to one's name
• worthy of the name
• you name it

Synonym Study

Name, title both refer to the label by which a person is known. Name is the simpler and more general word for appellation: The name is John. A title is an official or honorary term bestowed on a person or the specific designation of a book, article, etc.: He now has the title of Doctor. Treasure Island is the title of a book.

Example Sentences

While many brokers deleted personal identifiers, some provided names and addresses of individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Riley's name became a rallying cry for conservatives as border security emerged as a defining issue in the White House race.

From BBC

Sahar said she first heard Java’s name about 15 years ago, when a man at a rehearsal told her she reminded him of Java.

From Los Angeles Times

He's generally named people he's seen on TV, which I suppose makes sense since that was his only qualification for the presidency and in his mind he's the greatest leader the world has ever known.

From Salon

Biden has since named several more nominees in hopes that they would pass the Senate hurdle before the chamber switches to GOP control on Jan. 3, 2025.

From Salon

Related Words

• announce
• appoint
• cite
• declare
• elect
• identify
• list
• make
• mention
• nominate
• recognize
• refer to
• select
• single out
• suggest