appellative

adjective

ap·pel·la·tive ə-ˈpe-lə-tiv

Synonyms of appellative next

: of or relating to a common noun

: of, relating to, or inclined to the giving of names

appellative noun

appellatively adverb

Examples of appellative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The group has always had certain appellative affinities. —

Holden Seidlitz, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appellative.' 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

Middle English appellatyf, borrowed from Latin appellātīvus, from appellātus, past participle of appellāre "to speak to, address, call upon, name" + -īvus -ive — more at appeal entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of appellative was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century