metonym Definition
- 1a word or phrase used in place of another word or phrase to which it is closely related
- 2a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it
Using metonym: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "metonym" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Example
The suits on Wall Street decided to invest heavily in the housing market.
Example
The White House issued a statement today.
metonym Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for metonym
- substitute term
- figure of speech
- word substitution
Phrases with metonym
used to refer to the monarchy
Example
The Crown has been facing criticism for its handling of the pandemic.
used to refer to the American film industry
Example
Hollywood has produced some of the most iconic movies in history.
Example
The press has been covering the story extensively.
Origins of metonym
from Greek 'metōnymia', meaning 'a change of name'
Summary: metonym in Brief
A 'metonym' [ˈmɛtənɪm] is a word or phrase that is used in place of another word or phrase to which it is closely related. It is a figure of speech that refers to a thing or concept by the name of something closely associated with it. Examples include 'The pen is mightier than the sword,' where 'pen' stands for 'written words,' and 'Hollywood,' which refers to the American film industry.
