byword

English

/ˈbaɪ.wə(ɹ)d/, /ˈbaɪ.wɚd/

noun
Definitions
  • A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.
  • A characteristic word or expression; a word or phrase associated with a person or group.
  • Someone or something that stands as an example (i.e. metonymically) for something else, by having some of that something's characteristic traits.
  • An object of notoriety or contempt, scorn or derision.
  • A nickname or epithet.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English byword derived from Old English bīword inherited from Proto-Germanic *bīwurdiją prefix from English word.

Origin

English

word

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms