byword
[bahy-wurd]
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.
Origin of byword
Synonyms for byword
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for by-word
aphorism, dictum, adage, theorem, proverb, motto, axiom, maxim, epithet, style, tag, moniker, sobriquet, saying, remark, slogan, utterance, phrasing, idiom, expressionExamples from the Web for by-word
Historical Examples of by-word
The inactivity of our troops had long become a by-word among us.
The Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. DidoHenry Keppel
He has now become a by-word as a hypocrite and a merciless self-seeker.
Slain By The DoonesR. D. Blackmore
The bishop had named him Isengrin, the by-word then for wolf.
Historical Tales, Vol. 6 (of 15)Charles Morris
Byron had a club foot in his mind, and so Byron is a by-word.
The Green CarnationRobert Smythe Hichens
The word had been in use so frequently that it had become a by-word among the students.
Hester's CounterpartJean K. Baird
byword
noun
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
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byword
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper