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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The trick is to work out how the complicated mess of standards, confusing acronyms, and sci-fi-sounding features translate to better Wi-Fi in your home. —

Simon Hill, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 Things can be challenging to understand, because multiple factors are at play, from political, economic and social factors to technological, legal and environmental issues (often referred to with the acronym PESTLE). —

Tracy Brower, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 Annihilation’s best bit of shtick involves the overuse of acronyms. —

Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024 The group’s acronym comes from its first five members — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — but Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates were allowed to join this year. —

Keir Simmons, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acronym