First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
synecdoche
noun syn·ec·do·che \sə-ˈnek-də-(ˌ)kē\
Definition of SYNECDOCHE
: a figure of speech by which a part is put for the whole (as fifty sail for fifty ships), the whole for a part (as society for high society), the species for the genus (as cutthroat for assassin), the genus for the species (as a creature for a man), or the name of the material for the thing made (as boards for stage)
— syn·ec·doch·ic \ˌsi-ˌnek-ˈdä-kik\ adjective
— syn·ec·doch·i·cal \-ˈdä-ki-kəl\ adjective
— syn·ec·doch·i·cal·ly \-ki-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SYNECDOCHE
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Learn More About SYNECDOCHE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: synecdochismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: syne All Words Near: synecdoche
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up synecdoche? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).