acronym

noun

ac·​ro·​nym ˈa-krə-ˌnim 

: a word (such as NATO, radar, or laser) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term

also : an abbreviation (such as FBI) formed from initial letters : initialism

acronymic

ˌa-krə-ˈni-mik 

adjective

acronymically

ˌa-krə-ˈni-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an acronym and an initialism?

Both acronyms and initialisms are made up of the first letter or letters of the words in a phrase. The word acronym typically applies when the resulting thing can be read as a word; for example, radar comes from "radio detection and ranging" and scuba comes from "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus." The word initialism only applies when the resulting thing is read as an abbreviation; for example DIY, which comes from "do it yourself," is pronounced by saying the names of the letters. Note that the word acronym is also sometimes used to mean "initialism."

What is the difference between an acronym and an abbreviation?

An acronym is a kind of abbreviation. Abbreviations can be shortened forms of any kind. For example, appt is an abbreviation of appointment, and ASAP is an abbreviation of as soon as possible. ASAP, however, also qualifies as an acronym because it is made up of the initial letters of the phrase it comes from: as soon as possible.

Is OK an acronym?

OK is technically an acronym. It comes from the phrase "oll korrect," a humorous alteration of "all correct."

Examples of acronym in a Sentence

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is known by the acronym “NATO.”

Recent Examples on the Web

The letters are an acronym for Right Wing Death Squad, a phrase dating back to the 1970s that has been used in recent years by far-right extremists — including the Proud Boys — to express opposition to the left. —Daniel Desrochers, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2024

An acronym created to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion has been warped and distorted by DEI critics. —Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Then there was the inscrutable acronym — IITYWYBAHD? — emblazoned on workers’ shirts. —Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Try to avoid acronyms, and don’t write in all caps. —Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2024

Back in 2013, there had been nearly a thousand rebel groups, an alphabet soup of acronyms. —Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024

The European Fine Art Foundation, now known by its acronym TEFAF, was born out of a merger of two other art fairs — Pictura and Antiquairs International, which specialized in paintings and antiques. —Mike Corder, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024

Inside the city Russia was hurling up to 80 to 100 glide bombs, known by the acronym KAB, every day. —Oleksandr Chubko Lynsey Addario, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024

There’s even an acronym, attributed to the military, describing what leaders face on a daily basis. —Deborah Lovich, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from German Akronym, Akronymon, from akr- acr- + -onym, -onymon -onym

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

acronym

noun

ac·​ro·​nym ˈak-rə-ˌnim 

: a word (as radar) formed from the beginning letter or letters of each or most of the parts of a compound term