Names — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb phrase /ˈnām/

Meaning & Definition of Names

Names (noun)

  1. a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing
  2. a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
  3. a descriptive often disparaging epithet
  4. a name given at christening or confirmation
  5. a performer or personage of top rank in popular recognition
  6. an arbitrarily adopted name that is given by a manufacturer or merchant to an article or service to distinguish it as produced or sold by that manufacturer or merchant and that may be used and protected as a trademark
  7. one having a well-known and usually highly regarded or marketable name
  8. given name
  9. a designation having a coded and usually secret meaning

Names (verb)

  1. to give a name to, call
  2. to mention or identify by name
  3. to accuse by name

Names (phrase)

  1. to address or speak of a person or thing contemptuously or offensively
  2. to say the names of famous people one knows to try to impress others
  3. to say the names of people who are involved in something

Word Forms of Names

Inflections: named, naming

Derived words: namer (noun), big-name (adjective), code-name (transitive verb)

Origin & Etymology of Names

Middle English, from Old English nama; akin to Old High German namo name, Latin nomen, Greek onoma, onyma

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Names

Frequently Asked Questions about Names

What does "Names" mean?

"Names" means a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing. As an a noun, a verb and a phrase, it is defined as: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing. It has 15 distinct senses.

Is "Names" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Names" can be used as a noun, a verb and a phrase, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Names"?

"Names" is pronounced /ˈnām/.

What is the origin of the word "Names"?

"Names" comes from Middle English, from Old English nama; akin to Old High German namo name, Latin nomen, Greek onoma, onyma. First known use: before 12th century.

What does "Names" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Names" means: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing; a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity; a descriptive often disparaging epithet.

What does "Names" mean as a verb?

As a verb, "Names" means: to give a name to, call; to mention or identify by name; to accuse by name.

What does "Names" mean as a phrase?

As a phrase, "Names" means: to address or speak of a person or thing contemptuously or offensively; to say the names of famous people one knows to try to impress others; to say the names of people who are involved in something.

What are the forms of "Names"?

The word forms of "Names" include named and naming.