Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

agnomen

noun
Save Word
ag·​no·​men | \ ag-ˈnō-mən How to pronounce agnomen (audio) \
plural agnomina\ ag-​ˈnä-​mə-​nə How to pronounce agnomen (audio) \ or agnomens

Definition of agnomen

: an additional cognomen given to a person by the ancient Romans (as in honor of some achievement)

First Known Use of agnomen

1654, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for agnomen

borrowed from Latin agnōmen, alteration of *adnōmen (by analogy with nōscere "to get to know" : agnōscere "to acknowledge, recognize"), from ad- ad- + nōmen name entry 1 — more at agnize

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about agnomen

Time Traveler for agnomen

Time Traveler

The first known use of agnomen was in 1654

See more words from the same year

Statistics for agnomen

Cite this Entry

“Agnomen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agnomen. Accessed 17 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on agnomen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about agnomen

Comments on agnomen

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

purloin

Listen to the pronunciation of purloin

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

The Exceptions Quiz III

  • one green toy robot amidst many red toy robots
  • Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games