misnomer

noun mis·no·mer \ˌmis-ˈnō-mər\

: a name that is wrong or not proper or appropriate

Full Definition of MISNOMER

: the misnaming of a person in a legal instrument

a : a use of a wrong or inappropriate name

b : a wrong name or inappropriate designation

— mis·no·mered \-mərd\ adjective

See misnomer defined for English-language learners

See misnomer defined for kids

Middle English misnoumer, from Anglo-French mesnomer, from mes- mis- + nomer to name, from Latin nominare — more at nominate

First Known Use: 15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: misoPrevious Word in the Dictionary: misnameAll Words Near: misnomer

What made you want to look up misnomer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears