First Known Use: circa 1550
Dictionary
antonomasia
noun an·ton·o·ma·sia \ˌan-tə-nō-ˈmā-zh(ē-)ə, (ˌ)an-ˌtä-nə-\
Definition of ANTONOMASIA
: the use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (as a Solomon for a wise ruler); also : the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (as the Bard for Shakespeare)
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ANTONOMASIA
Latin, use of an epithet for a proper name, from Greek, from antonomazein to call by a new name, from anti- + onomazein to name, from onoma name — more at name
Learn More About ANTONOMASIA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: antonymPrevious Word in the Dictionary: antoninianusAll Words Near: antonomasia
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up antonomasia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).