First Known Use: 1697
Dictionary
homonym
noun hom·onym \ˈhä-mə-ˌnim, ˈhō-\
: a word that is spelled and pronounced like another word but is different in meaning
Full Definition of HOMONYM
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: namesake
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: a taxonomic designation rejected as invalid because the identical term has been used to designate another group of the same rank — compare synonym
— hom·onym·ic \ˌhä-mə-ˈni-mik, ˌhō-\ adjective
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Origin of HOMONYM
Latin homonymum, from Greek homōnymon, from neuter of homōnymos
Other Language Terms
HOMONYM Defined for Kids
homonym
noun hom·onym \ˈhä-mə-ˌnim, ˈhō-mə-\
Definition of HOMONYM for Kids
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: one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning <The noun “bear” and the verb “bear” are homonyms.>
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