byword

American  

[bahy-wurd] / ˈbaɪˌwɜrd /

noun

1. a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like.

   Synonyms:

   motto, slogan

2. a word or phrase used proverbially; common saying; proverb.

   Synonyms:

   maxim, adage, saw, aphorism, apothegm

3. an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc..

   His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.

4. an epithet, often of scorn.

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byword British  

/ ˈbaɪˌwɜːd /

noun

1. a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of something

   their name is a byword for good service

2. an object of scorn or derision

3. a common saying; proverb

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Etymology

Origin of byword

before 1050; Middle English biworde, Old English biwyrde. See by (adj.), word

Example Sentences

Obviously set-plays have now become a byword for how teams can do that successfully, but that was the case before me and it is the same now I have retired.

From BBC

Disappointment, worryingly for Frank, is becoming the byword for Spurs and his tenure so far.

From BBC

If Francis had a byword for his papacy, it was “mercy,” which he made the theme of a special jubilee year starting in 2015.

From The Wall Street Journal

The word Bataclan has since become a byword in France for extreme Islamist attacks, in much the same way that 9/11 did in the US.

From BBC

Vonster’s ghosting—a mere failure to appear where or when he said he would—would become a byword for all forms of social disappearance.

From The Wall Street Journal