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byword

 - 3 dictionary results

by⋅word

  [bahy-wurd]
Use byword in a Sentence
–noun
1. a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like.
2. a word or phrase used proverbially; common saying; proverb.
3. an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc.: His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.
4. an epithet, often of scorn.
Origin:
bef. 1050; ME biworde, OE biwyrde. See by (adj.), word

Synonyms:
1. slogan, motto. 2. maxim, apothegm, aphorism, saw, adage.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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by·word also by-word   (bī'wûrd')   
n.  

    1. A proverbial expression; a proverb.

    2. An often-used word or phrase.

  2. One that represents a type, class, or quality: "Polyester got its déclassé reputation in the 1970s after cheap, poorly made double-knit leisure suits became a byword for bad taste" (Fortune).

  3. An object of notoriety or interest: The eccentric poet was a byword in literary circles.

  4. An epithet.


[Middle English byworde, from Old English bīword, translation of Latin prōverbium.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

byword 
O.E. biword formed after L. proverbium, or Gk. para-bole.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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