eponymy

noun

epon·y·my i-ˈpä-nə-mē

e-

plural eponymies

: the explanation of a proper name (as of a town or tribe) by supposing a fictitious eponym

Word History

Etymology

eponym or eponym(ous) + -y entry 2

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of eponymy was in 1865

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

eponymous

eponymy

epopea

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Eponymy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eponymy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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