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name definition

name (nām)

noun

  1. a word or phrase by which a person, thing, or class of things is known, called, or spoken to or of; appellation; title
  2. a word or words expressing some quality considered characteristic or descriptive of a person or thing, often showing approval or disapproval; epithet
  3. the sacred designation of a deity His ineffable name
    1. fame, reputation, or character a good name
    2. good reputation
  4. a family or clan the last of his name
  5. appearance only, not reality; semblance chief in name only
  6. a distinguished or famous person the greatest name in science

Etymology: ME < OE nama, akin to Ger name < IE base *(o)nomṇ > L nomen, Gr onoma, onyma

adjective

  1. ☆ having a good reputation; well-known a name brand
  2. carrying a name a name tag

transitive verb named, naming nam′·ing

  1. to give a name or title to; entitle; style
  2. to designate, mention, or refer to by name
  3. to identify by the right name name all the oceans
  4. to nominate or appoint to a post, situation, or office
  5. to set or fix; specify (a date, price, etc.)
  6. to speak about; mention

Related Forms:

name Idioms

call names

to speak of or to in an abusive manner

in the name of

  1. in appeal or reference to
  2. by the authority of; as the representative of
  3. as belonging to

know only by name

to be familiar with the name of but not know personally

name names

to identify specific persons, esp. as doing wrong

to one's name

belonging to one

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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