household word

noun

: a common word or phrase : byword
penicillin has become a new household wordW. E. Swinton

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of household word was in 1574

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Dictionary Entries Near household word

Cite this Entry

“Household word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/household%20word. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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