acronym

noun

ac·​ro·​nym ˈa-krə-ˌnim 

: a word (such as NATO, radar, or laser) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term

also : an abbreviation (such as FBI) formed from initial letters : initialism

acronymic

ˌa-krə-ˈni-mik 

adjective

acronymically

ˌa-krə-ˈni-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an acronym and an initialism?

Both acronyms and initialisms are made up of the first letter or letters of the words in a phrase. The word acronym typically applies when the resulting thing can be read as a word; for example, radar comes from "radio detection and ranging" and scuba comes from "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus." The word initialism only applies when the resulting thing is read as an abbreviation; for example DIY, which comes from "do it yourself," is pronounced by saying the names of the letters. Note that the word acronym is also sometimes used to mean "initialism."

What is the difference between an acronym and an abbreviation?

An acronym is a kind of abbreviation. Abbreviations can be shortened forms of any kind. For example, appt is an abbreviation of appointment, and ASAP is an abbreviation of as soon as possible. ASAP, however, also qualifies as an acronym because it is made up of the initial letters of the phrase it comes from: as soon as possible.

Is OK an acronym?

OK is technically an acronym. It comes from the phrase "oll korrect," a humorous alteration of "all correct."

Examples of acronym in a Sentence

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is known by the acronym “NATO.”

Recent Examples on the Web

As the acronym suggest, the LMDh class combines the regulations for Le Mans and Daytona hybrid racecars to allow manufacturers to compete at the highest level of global endurance racing. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024

The titular acronym stands for Solidarity, Engagement, Restore, Peace, Equality, N’ Tolerance. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2024

In the 20 years since CTE became a household acronym, rule changes ostensibly aimed at minimizing the risk of bodily injuries, including blows to the head and concussions, have been implemented, but their efficacy remains questionable at best. —Adina Wise, STAT, 9 Feb. 2024

Sometimes the investment world creates an acronym or term to describe trends. —Jill Schlesinger, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024

Nor should it be confused with a third YSL, Yves Saint Laurent, which apparently has nothing to do with the case, but is so frequently referenced in rap that the acronym may be no accident. —Bill Hochberg, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

Copilot was also helpful in editing documents, often catching acronyms that should be spelled out, punctuation or conciseness, much like a beefed-up spell check. —Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024

The other acronym was visible during the follow through of every swing en route to his 19-under-par 265: tattooed on his arm are the letters GSFB, which stand for Gordon Sydney Frederick Bowley, his grandfather who died at age 85 in April. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024

Models — identified by acronyms — come in several flavors, mostly according to the length of the model period. —Jay Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Akronym, Akronymon, from akr- acr- + -onym, -onymon -onym

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

acronym

noun

ac·​ro·​nym ˈak-rə-ˌnim 

: a word (as radar) formed from the beginning letter or letters of each or most of the parts of a compound term