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byword

[ bahy-wurd ]
/ ˈbaɪˌwɜrd /
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noun
a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like.
a word or phrase used proverbially; common saying; proverb.
an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc.: His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.
an epithet, often of scorn.
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Origin of byword

before 1050; Middle English biworde,Old English biwyrde.See by (adj.), word
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to byword

adage, aphorism, apophthegm, axiom, catchphrase, catchword, dictum, epithet, gnome, handle, maxim, motto, nickname, precept, proverb, saw, shibboleth, slogan, standing joke

How to use byword in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for byword

byword
/ (ˈbaɪˌwɜːd) /
noun
a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of somethingtheir name is a byword for good service
an object of scorn or derision
a common saying; proverb

Word Origin for byword

Old English bīwyrde; see by, word; compare Old High German pīwurti, from Latin prōverbium proverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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