noun Uncommon

acronym

AK-ruh-nihm

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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.”

noun

A word formed from the first letters of a longer phrase, especially one pronounced as a single word rather than spelled out.

""NASA" is an acronym for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration."

"The report was full of acronyms that new employees struggled to decode."

How to use acronym

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short word made from the initial letters of a longer name or phrase.

Common mistake

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.

Common pairings

common acronym stands for acronym for

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: acronyms
Third person singular: acronyms
Past tense: acronymed, acronymmed

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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.

Origin: German · First attested 1940

Class of 1940 acronym joined the language around 1940.

asperger automation bebop butch geronimo

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Synonyms

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initialism

Rhymes for acronym

antonym homonym pseudonym

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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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Vocabulary lists that include acronym:

Words with German origins Words that end with M