byword
[ bahy-wurd ]
/ ˈbaɪˌwɜrd /
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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.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Words nearby byword
by turns, by virtue of, byway, by way of, by weight, byword, by word of mouth, by-work, by-your-leave, Byz., Byzantine
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences 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
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