First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1label
noun la·bel \ˈlā-bəl\
: a piece of paper, cloth, or similar material that is attached to something to identify or describe it
: a word or phrase that describes or identifies something or someone
: a company that produces musical recordings
Full Definition of LABEL
2
: a heraldic charge that consists of a narrow horizontal band with usually three pendants
3
a : a slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description b : written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information c : a descriptive or identifying word or phrase: as (1) : epithet (2) : a word or phrase used with a dictionary definition to provide additional information d : a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling
4
: an adhesive stamp (as for postage or revenue)
5
a (1) : a brand of commercial recordings issued under a usually trademarked name (2) : a recording so issued (3) : a company issuing such recordings b : the brand name of a retail store selling clothing, a clothing manufacturer, or a fashion designer
See label defined for English-language learners
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Origin of LABEL
Middle English, from Anglo-French labelle
2label
verb
: to put a word or name on something to describe or identify it : to attach a label to (something)
: to name or describe (someone or something) in a specified way : to give a label to (someone or something)
la·beled or la·belledla·bel·ing or la·bel·ling \ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of LABEL
transitive verb
1
a : to affix a label to b : to describe or designate with or as if with a label
2
a : to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity) b : to distinguish (as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (as a dye or labeled atom)
— la·bel·able \ˈlā-bə-lə-bəl\ adjective
— la·bel·er \ˈlā-b(ə-)lər\ noun
See label defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LABEL
1601
LABEL Defined for Kids
1label
noun la·bel \ˈlā-bəl\
Definition of LABEL for Kids
1
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) attached to something to identify or describe it
2
: a word or phrase that describes or names something or someone <a part-of-speech label>
2label
verb
la·beled or la·belledla·bel·ing or la·bel·ling
Definition of LABEL for Kids
1
: to put a word or words on (something) to identify or describe it <Be sure to label your belongings.>
2
: to name or describe with or as if with a label <The team was labeled “the Dream Team.”>
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