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
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
George does some name-dropping throughout his book, including other members of the Jackson family.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024
His indiscriminate name-dropping of events that are entirely fictional and never occurred is a transparent effort to grab attention.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Feb. 2024
Laboriously, Amistad sinks to courtroom histrionics and showy, historical name-dropping.
—Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
There’s a certain kind of theater parody made by theater people, where the characters are either provincial rubes or name-dropping, Olivier-quoting grandees of their local scene, and theater is made out to be a kind of small-town cult for the flamboyantly uncool.
—Vulture Staff, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2023
For all the over-the-top luxury—the $26 million Brentwood home, the high-fashion name-dropping that clutters her social media feeds—there’s something appealingly low-key about her.
—Maer Roshan, Town & Country, 15 Aug. 2023
More:'Jeopardy!' champ and St. Norbert prof talks representing Green Bay, name-dropping Aaron Rodgers, raising the roof What does Ben Chan plan to do with his winnings?
—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 24 May 2023
After McNeil introduced Hough to Danny Fields, a rock ‘n’ roll legend who managed the Stooges and the Ramones, Fields did some name-dropping of his own.
—James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023
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.
Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 24 May 2024
George does some name-dropping throughout his book, including other members of the Jackson family.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024
His indiscriminate name-dropping of events that are entirely fictional and never occurred is a transparent effort to grab attention.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Feb. 2024
Laboriously, Amistad sinks to courtroom histrionics and showy, historical name-dropping.
—Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
There’s a certain kind of theater parody made by theater people, where the characters are either provincial rubes or name-dropping, Olivier-quoting grandees of their local scene, and theater is made out to be a kind of small-town cult for the flamboyantly uncool.
—Vulture Staff, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2023
For all the over-the-top luxury—the $26 million Brentwood home, the high-fashion name-dropping that clutters her social media feeds—there’s something appealingly low-key about her.
—Maer Roshan, Town & Country, 15 Aug. 2023
More:'Jeopardy!' champ and St. Norbert prof talks representing Green Bay, name-dropping Aaron Rodgers, raising the roof What does Ben Chan plan to do with his winnings?
—Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 24 May 2023
After McNeil introduced Hough to Danny Fields, a rock ‘n’ roll legend who managed the Stooges and the Ramones, Fields did some name-dropping of his own.
—James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023
Articles Related to name-dropping
Dictionary Entries Near name-dropping
Cite this Entry
“Name-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-dropping. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share