byword

noun

by·​word ˈbī-ˌwərd How to pronounce byword (audio)
1
: a proverbial saying : proverb
2
a
: one that personifies a type
b
: one that is noteworthy or notorious
3
4
: a frequently used word or phrase

Examples of byword in a Sentence

Mom's favorite byword is “You can get more flies with honey than with vinegar”. nationally, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has become a byword for luxury retailing
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The melting of the vast polar ice sheets has become a byword for climate change; these giant frozen landscapes hold enough water to cause catastrophic sea level rise and are experiencing alarming changes as temperatures increase. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 In 2020, the Courant closed its physical office; the following year, it was acquired by Alden Global Capital, a financial firm whose name is a byword, in journalism circles, for aggressive cost-cutting. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025 The event became a byword in the militia movement, influencing Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. Daily Briefing, AZCentral.com, 23 Aug. 2025 Soho House: From cool London origins to global influence Founded on London’s Greek Street in 1995, Soho House rapidly became a byword for luxury, exclusivity, and a vibrant creative scene. Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for byword

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of byword was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Byword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/byword. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

byword

noun
by·​word -ˌwərd How to pronounce byword (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on byword

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