byword

noun

by·​word ˈbī-ˌwərd How to pronounce byword (audio)
1
: a proverbial saying : proverb
2
a
: one that personifies a type
b
: one that is noteworthy or notorious
3
4
: a frequently used word or phrase

Examples of byword in a Sentence

Mom's favorite byword is “You can get more flies with honey than with vinegar”. nationally, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive has become a byword for luxury retailing
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.
For too much of the past few years, Tottenham fans have seen their team become a byword for banter, the easiest punchline in sport. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The exhibits will give a more nuanced view of a ruler whose name has become a byword for marauding in the west. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025 But a World War II battle 80 years ago this month turned the Japanese island into a byword for desperate, deadly combat — and for American triumph. Hannah Beech, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 Murrow’s reporting and commentary were broadcast live and that’s a byword here as everything clatters with real-time rhythms. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for byword

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of byword was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Byword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/byword. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

byword

noun
by·​word -ˌwərd How to pronounce byword (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on byword

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