name-dropping
noun
name-drop·ping
ˈnām-ˌdrä-piŋ 
: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others
Examples of name-dropping in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her book includes some dishy name-dropping too, from Tom Cruise to Marilyn Monroe.
—
Liz McNeil, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
But name-dropping and seemingly endless wealth does not a happy life make.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
This is a good sort of name-dropping, because Nvidia Blackwell is powering everything but the kitchen sink.
—John Werner, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The conversation consisted of him endlessly name-dropping and asking zero questions about me.
—Kathlene Linehan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
However, effective personalization isn’t simply about name-dropping or referencing a recent post.
—Samuel Darwin, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
And although the memoir isn’t as heavy on showbiz anecdote as might be expected, much of the name-dropping may yet surface in the second book.
—Alexander Larman, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Beyond the impressive name-dropping and pedigree — his aunt and uncle are writers Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne — Dunne, 69, has a gift for storytelling.
—Brooke Lefferts, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2024
His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
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.
Liz McNeil, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
But name-dropping and seemingly endless wealth does not a happy life make.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
This is a good sort of name-dropping, because Nvidia Blackwell is powering everything but the kitchen sink.
—John Werner, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The conversation consisted of him endlessly name-dropping and asking zero questions about me.
—Kathlene Linehan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
However, effective personalization isn’t simply about name-dropping or referencing a recent post.
—Samuel Darwin, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
And although the memoir isn’t as heavy on showbiz anecdote as might be expected, much of the name-dropping may yet surface in the second book.
—Alexander Larman, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Beyond the impressive name-dropping and pedigree — his aunt and uncle are writers Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne — Dunne, 69, has a gift for storytelling.
—Brooke Lefferts, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2024
His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Name-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-dropping. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share