acronym

noun

ac·​ro·​nym ˈa-krə-ˌnim How to pronounce acronym (audio)
: 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 adjective
acronymically 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Carl Anka Why might Manchester United want to sell them, and who else could be in the frame to leave? Barely a discussion about potential incomings or outgoings can go by at Old Trafford these days without the acronyms ‘PSR’ and ‘FFP’ cropping up along the way. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Over the years, Metzger waded into Democratic electoral politics — not too deeply nor successfully — then turned in frustration to assembling his own group with its own angry acronym, WAR, White Aryan Resistance. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 The acronym is a mouthful: The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 29 Dec. 2024 Studies show that saying the words behind the DEI acronym, leading with the full set of words, diversity, equity, and inclusion instead of the acronym, DEI, increases positive perceptions. Julie Kratz, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acronym 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acronym was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“Acronym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acronym. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

acronym

noun
ac·​ro·​nym ˈak-rə-ˌnim How to pronounce acronym (audio)
: a word (as radar) formed from the beginning letter or letters of each or most of the parts of a compound term

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