byword

[bahy-wurd]

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.

byword

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of byword¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of byword¹

Old English bīwyrde ; see _by , _word ; compare Old High German pīwurti , from Latin prōverbium proverb

Example Sentences

As a lawyer and law professor, however, Gould’s scholarship about institutionalized racism in employment relations became a byword.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Still, the incident became a byword for forecaster error.

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Against them were arrayed the Whigs, whose combination of bad luck and ineptitude has made them a byword for political failure.

Read more on Salon

New-year celebrations have become a byword for antisocial behaviour in many Dutch cities and public support for a ban has gradually changed the minds of politicians too.

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Morecambe Bay became a byword for poor maternity care and the trust promised to enact all 18 recommendations from the Kirkup review.

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