1
: commonly named
the so-called pocket veto
2
: falsely or improperly so named
deceived by a so-called friend

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of so-called was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near so-called

Cite this Entry

“So-called.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/so-called. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

so-called

adjective
ˈsō-ˈkȯld
: commonly or popularly but often inaccurately so named
your so-called friend
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