sobriquet

noun

so·​bri·​quet ˈsō-bri-ˌkā How to pronounce sobriquet (audio)
-ˌket;
ˌsō-bri-ˈkā,
-ˈket How to pronounce sobriquet (audio)
variants or less commonly soubriquet
ˈsō-bri-ˌkā How to pronounce sobriquet (audio)
-ˌket,
ˈsü-;
ˌsō-bri-ˈkā,
-ˈket How to pronounce sobriquet (audio)
ˌsü-
: a descriptive name or epithet : nickname

Did you know?

This synonym of nickname has the same meaning in modern French as it does in English. In Middle French, however, its earlier incarnation soubriquet referred to both a nickname and a tap under the chin. Centuries later, the connection between these two meanings isn't clear, but what is clear is that the "nickname" meaning of sobriquet was well established in French by the time English speakers borrowed the term in the 17th century—and was the only meaning that was adopted. In current English, the spelling sobriquet is most common, but soubriquet is also an accepted variant.

Examples of sobriquet in a Sentence

Baseball player Ty Cobb was also known by the sobriquet “The Georgia Peach.” tagged her with the sobriquet “peanut” because of her diminutive size
Recent Examples on the Web His outfit, coupled with his support for the pro-Trump QAnon conspiracy theory, earned him his spiritual sobriquet. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2024 The two shared a nickname for Satan: Old Slew Foot, a colonial-era sobriquet for the cloven-hoofed devil that spoke to the legendary tap and soft-shoe performer. Alex Bhattacharji, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2024 Such as holding court, choosing your sobriquet, and naming imbecilic lickspittles to our Kingsguard. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 7 July 2024 At the Charleston Place, instructors Caroline Riley and Anne Ruder take inspiration from the city’s nickname for their own sobriquet: Holy Mahj. Kinsey Gidicl, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sobriquet 

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

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sobriquet was in 1646

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Dictionary Entries Near sobriquet

Cite this Entry

“Sobriquet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sobriquet. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sobriquet

noun
so·​bri·​quet
variants also soubriquet
ˈsō-bri-ˌkā,
-ˌket;
ˌsō-bri-ˈkā,
-ˈket
: a descriptive name or phrase : nickname
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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