name-dropping

noun

name-drop·​ping ˈnām-ˌdrä-piŋ How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others
name-drop intransitive verb
name-dropper noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web After McNeil introduced Hough to Danny Fields, a rock ‘n’ roll legend who managed the Stooges and the Ramones, Fields did some name-dropping of his own. James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'name-dropping.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of name-dropping was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near name-dropping

Cite this Entry

“Name-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-dropping. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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