name-dropping

noun

name-drop·​ping ˈnām-ˌdrä-piŋ 

: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others

name-drop

ˈnām-ˌdräp 

intransitive verb

name-dropper

ˈnām-ˌdrä-pər 

noun

Examples of name-dropping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hats off to The Daily Show for name-dropping a specific insane cheesecake varietal. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

In an industry where name-dropping and connections are currency, who wouldn’t? — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2026

While snobbery and name-dropping dominate, Nora’s feeling of alienation is tempered by her crush on associate editor Thomas (Joshuah Melnick) who, though only slightly older, seems to know everything about piloting the scene. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

The issue is the new name-dropping that’s come since her book came out. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for name-dropping

• intercropping
• overtopping
• telescoping
• chopping
• copping
• cropping
• dropping
• flopping
• hopping
• lopping
• mopping
• popping