1
a
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description
The name is prominently displayed on the label.
b
: written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information
Read the warning label before taking any medicine.
c
: a descriptive or identifying word or phrase: such as
(1)
: epithet
acquired the label of "playboy"
(2)
: a word or phrase used with a dictionary definition to provide additional information
The label obsolete is abbreviated obs.
d
: a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling
2
a(1)
: a brand of commercial recordings issued under a usually trademarked name
(2)
: a company issuing such recordings
The band has made records for several different labels.
(3)
: a recording so issued
b
: the brand name of a retail store selling clothing, a clothing manufacturer, or a fashion designer
She only buys clothes with a designer label.
3
: an adhesive stamp (as for postage or revenue)
4
: a heraldic charge that consists of a narrow horizontal band with usually three pendants
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling
ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to affix a label to
labeled the switches so as not to confuse them
b
: to describe or designate with or as if with a label
labels his photos with the date and place they were taken
2
a
: to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope (see isotope sense 1) distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity)
b
: to distinguish (something, such as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (such as a dye or labeled atom)
Examples of label in a Sentence
Noun
The name is prominently displayed on the label.
You should read the warning label before you take any medicine.
The word was given the label “obsolete.”
Some people describe him as “selfish,” but he doesn't deserve that label.
Once you give people labels, it's hard to see them as individuals.
The band has made records for several different labels in their career.
Verb
Be sure to carefully label the switches so that you don't confuse them.
He labels his photographs with the date and place they were taken.
Recent Examples on the Web
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 July 2025
In recent years, new boutique labels offering unusual repertory have found a niche in the marketplace.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
The researchers labeled the classes descriptively: Social/Behavioral: Children who exhibit strong autistic traits like repetitive behaviors and social difficulties yet follow typical developmental timelines.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for label
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Originally debuted in 2005, the Italian label released a mini top-handle boho bag that was worn by loads of celebrities at the time—everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to the Olsen twins.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 July 2025
In recent years, new boutique labels offering unusual repertory have found a niche in the marketplace.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
Verb
Women of color are thought to use twice as many products, according to Consumer Reports.
Despite mounting scientific research into the dangers posed by toxic chemicals, little has been done to ban them or at least label them on cosmetics.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
The researchers labeled the classes descriptively: Social/Behavioral: Children who exhibit strong autistic traits like repetitive behaviors and social difficulties yet follow typical developmental timelines.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for label
Cite this Entry
“Label.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/label. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
label
1 of 2 noun
la·bel
ˈlā-bəl
1
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) that is attached to something to identify or describe it
2
a
: a descriptive or identifying word or phrase
b
: the brand name of a commercial product
label
2 of 2 verb
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling
-b(ə-)liŋ
1
: to attach a label to
2
: to name or describe with or as if with a label
3
: to make (as an element, compound, or cell) traceable by inclusion of a detectable part (as a radioactive isotope or a dye)
Medical Definition
label
2 of 2 transitive verb
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling
ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ
1
: to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity) for tracing through chemical reactions or biological processes
2
: to distinguish (as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (as a dye or labeled atom)
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