noun
hydronym
HY-druh-nim
Hydronym (noun) means the name given to a river, lake, sea or other body of water. Example: “The Thames is a well-known hydronym recognised the world over.”
noun
1
technical The name given to a river, lake, sea or other body of water.
"The Thames is a well-known hydronym recognised the world over."
"Local historians catalogued every hydronym in the river valley."
"Many a hydronym has survived long after the settlements nearby vanished."
How to use hydronym
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hydronym is simply the name of a river, lake, sea or other stretch of water.
When to use it
This is a specialist term from onomastics rather than everyday vocabulary.
Memory tip
Split it into hydro- (water) and -onym (name) and the meaning falls into place.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
toponym
Common pairings
ancient hydronym
study of hydronyms
local hydronym
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like hydronym.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The Thames is a well-known _____ recognised the world over.
Etymology
Hydronym is built from the combining form hydro-, meaning water, joined to -onym, meaning name. Both elements are used in English to form specialist naming terms.
Rhymes for hydronym
See all rhymes for hydronym →Frequently asked questions
What does hydronym mean?
A hydronym is the name of a body of water, such as a river, lake or sea.
Is hydronym a real word?
Yes, it is a genuine, if specialist, term used in onomastics, the study of names.
What is an example of a hydronym?
The Thames and the Nile are both hydronyms, since they are names for rivers.
What is the meaning of hydronym?
"hydronym" (noun) means the name given to a river, lake, sea or other body of water.
