acronym
Acronym (noun) means a word formed from the first letters of a longer phrase, especially one pronounced as a single word rather than spelled out. Example: “NASA" is an acronym for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”
How to use acronym
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short word made from the initial letters of a longer name or phrase.
Strictly, an acronym is pronounced as a word (like "laser"); if the letters are said individually (like "FBI"), that's technically an initialism, though many people use "acronym" for both.
Word forms
acronymed past tense, acronymmed past tense, acronyms plural, acronyms singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"NASA" is an _____ for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Etymology
Borrowed from German Akronym, built from Greek akron ("tip, end") and onyma ("name"), on the model of "homonym" and "synonym." First used in the early 1900s in German and by 1940 in English.
Rhymes for acronym
See all rhymes for acronym →Frequently asked questions
What does “acronym” mean?
The word “acronym” means a word formed from the first letters of a longer phrase, especially one pronounced as a single word rather than spelled out. In plain terms, a short word made from the initial letters of a longer name or phrase.
How do you pronounce “acronym”?
“Acronym” is pronounced AK-ruh-nihm (/ˈæk.ɹə.nɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “acronym” in a sentence?
Here is “acronym” used in a sentence: “"NASA" is an acronym for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.”
What part of speech is “acronym”?
“Acronym” is a noun.
Where does the word “acronym” come from?
The word “acronym” dates back to around 1940 and comes from German. Borrowed from German Akronym, built from Greek akron ("tip, end") and onyma ("name"), on the model of "homonym" and "synonym." First used in the early 1900s in German and by 1940 in English.
Is “acronym” a common word?
“Acronym” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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