name

1 of 3

noun

1
a
: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing
The boy's name is Brad.
b
: a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
2
: a descriptive often disparaging epithet
called him names
3
a
: reputation
gave the town a bad name
b
: an illustrious record : fame
made a name for himself in golf
c
: a person or thing with a reputation
one of the most detested names in history
4
: family, clan
was a disgrace to his name
5
: appearance as opposed to reality
a friend in name only
6
: one referred to by a name
praise his holy name

name

2 of 3

verb

named; naming

transitive verb

1
: to give a name to : call
2
a
: to mention or identify by name
refused to name a suspect
b
: to accuse by name
3
: to nominate for office : appoint
4
: to decide on : choose
name the day of the wedding
5
: to mention explicitly : specify
unwilling to name a price
namer noun

name

3 of 3

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or bearing a name
name tags
2
: appearing in the name of a literary or theatrical production
3
a
: having an established reputation
b
: featuring celebrities
Phrases
in the name of
1
: by authority of
open in the name of the law
2
: for the reason of : using the excuse of
called for reforms in the name of progress

Examples of name in a Sentence

Noun Please write your name on this line. State your name and occupation. I refused to give them my name. Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens. She registered at the hotel under a false name. My full name is Susan Elaine Smith. We had to memorize the names of all the countries in Africa. “What's your dog's name?” “His name is Sandy.” This is his song “Loving You” from the album of the same name. The ship's name was “Titanic.” Verb “What are you going to name your new dog?” “I think I'll name him Sandy.” The aptly named HMS “Victorious” helped the British Royal Navy win an important victory. A man named James Smith is on the phone. We named our daughter “Mary” in honor of her grandmother. Can you name the person who attacked you? All of the authors named above were influenced by his work. She was named to replace him as the company's vice president. Adjective the university's physics department boasts a number of name physicists
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.
Noun
Though the plant has only been in Givaudan's name for three years, this isn't the first explosion in Clifton, a fact that contributed to growing tensions in the room. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024 Legends will have the exclusive rights to manage, operate, sell and distribute all Nuggets, Avalanche, Mammoth and Rapids merchandise and will operate the official team store, which will continue under the Altitude Authentics name. Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
The guild has existed since 2009, when a player named King Bruenor grew tired of the endgame loot grind Blizzard intended. Cameron Koch, Rolling Stone, 23 Nov. 2024 As a crackling wood fire heats the pan in the traditional Bhutanese outdoor kitchen—a two-burner hearth made of clay from the nearby forest—a woman named Namgay Wangmo kneels down and breaks a few eggs into a bowl, adding some salt and a little chili powder. Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
As interesting as the pro-name change argument may be, Zaslav may ultimately decide it’s not worth the investment in time and resources to make what is at the core a cosmetic change. Vulture, 23 June 2022 Although pancake mix and syrup are not sold out in most stores, most popular or name brand items are harder to come by. Dallas News, 26 Apr. 2020 See all Example Sentences for name 

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

Adjective

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near name

Cite this Entry

“Name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

name

1 of 3 noun
1
: a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
2
: a descriptive often insulting word or phrase
called him names
3
: reputation sense 2
made a name for herself
4
: appearance as opposed to fact
a friend in name only

name

2 of 3 verb
named; naming
1
: to give a name to : call
2
a
: to mention or identify by name
b
: to accuse by name
name the culprit
3
: to nominate for office : appoint
named the diplomat Secretary of State
4
: to decide upon : choose
name the date for a wedding
5
: to mention specifically
name a price
namer noun

name

3 of 3 adjective
1
: bearing a name
name tag
2
: having an established reputation
name performers
name brands

More from Merriam-Webster on name

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!