noun

byword

Byword (noun) means a proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.

noun

A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.

A characteristic word or expression; a word or phrase associated with a person or group.

Someone or something that stands as an example (i.e. metonymically) for something else, by having some of that something's characteristic traits.

An object of notoriety or contempt, scorn or derision.

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Etymology

From Middle English byword, byworde (“proverb”), from Old English bīword, bīwyrd, bīwyrde (“proverb, household word", also "adverb”), from Proto-West Germanic *bīwurdī, equivalent to by- + word. Compare Latin proverbium, which byword may possibly be a translation of. Cognate with Old High German pīwurti (“proverb”). Compare also Old English bīspel (“proverb, example”), bīcwide (“byword, proverb, tale, fable”), Dutch bijwoord (“adverb”).

Rhymes for byword

keyword

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of byword?

"byword" (noun) means a proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase.

What are the different meanings of byword?

"byword" has 3 main meanings: 1. A proverb or proverbial expression, common saying; a frequently used word or phrase; 2. A characteristic word or expression; a word or phrase associated with a person or group; 3. Someone or something that stands as an example (i.e. metonymically) for something else, by having some of that something's characteristic traits.