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

“Goldilocks” was the byword for the bull market of the past few years, but now the three bears—oil, gold, and the Fed—are on the prowl, and there may be no happy ending.

From Barron's

“Goldilocks” was the byword for the bull market of the past few years, but now the three bears—oil, gold, and the Fed—are on the prowl, and there may be no happy ending.

From Barron's

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