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name-drop

American  
[neym-drop] / ˈneɪmˌdrɒp /

verb (used without object)

name-dropped, name-dropping
  1. to indulge in name-dropping.


Etymology

Origin of name-drop

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One of her dogs is named Crüe, as in Mötley Crüe; she will name-drop the 2000s rock band Nickelback in one interview and country stalwart Ronnie Milsap in the next.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Throughout, the characters routinely name-drop philosophers and authors they've obviously never read while indulging bizarre fantasies of living forever and ruling the universe as benevolent dictators.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

Of course, being a journalist, Avlon couldn’t help but name-drop other journalists he’d been reading.

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2024

The track, featuring Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid, has garnered attention for its provocative Taylor Swift name-drop.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2024

Thomas’s high school coach, Gene Pingatore, is still basking in that glory and is happy to name-drop “Isiah.”

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2023