Definition of homonym
c
grammar
: one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning (such as the noun quail and the verb quail)
2
: namesake
3
biology
: a taxonomic designation rejected as invalid because the identical term has been used to designate another group of the same rank — compare synonym
Test Your Vocabulary
The Great British Vocabulary Quiz
-
- Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share homonym
Time Traveler for homonym
The first known use of homonym was in 1697
See more words from the same year