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

Today, the term “Munich” still stands as a political and historical byword warning of the dangers of appeasement — of turning a blind eye to evil.

Read more on Salon

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on BBC