byword
[ bahy-wurd ]
/ ˈbaɪˌwɜrd /
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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Nearby words
bystreet, byte, bytom, bytownite, byway, byword, byz., byzant, byzantine, byzantine chant, byzantine church
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for byword
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
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Word Origin and History for byword
byword
also by-word, Old English biword "proverb," formed on the model of Latin proverbium or Greek parabole. Meaning "something that has become proverbial" is from 1530s.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper