namely
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of namely
First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English namely, earlier nameliche; see name, -ly
Explanation
The word namely is a way of saying, "That is to say." After the word namely, you find out the specifics of something. We know people and things by their names. Maybe that's why the word namely is used to name the specific details of something that was previously said. You could say, "I have a new job: namely, as a teacher." Maybe you're afraid of an animal, namely, wolves. Namely means almost exactly the same thing as specifically and is followed by an example or examples. This word also works something like the colon, which also introduces information.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Namely, that this virus is far less transmissible.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Namely, they may open the door for more institutional investors, like hedge funds and high-frequency traders, to start trading these prediction markets more actively.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026
Namely, a generation of talented chefs of Caribbean descent came of age professionally just as diners were primed to crave the food from the region.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026
Namely, breastfeeding is very time-consuming, even in the best of circumstances.
From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026
Namely: not seeking profit or praise from his redemptive efforts.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
