noun
hypernym
HY-puh-nim
Hypernym (noun) means a word whose meaning includes the meanings of more specific words, as "insect" does for "ant". Example: “Vehicle" is a hypernym of "car" and "lorry".”
noun
1
technical A word whose meaning includes the meanings of more specific words, as "insect" does for "ant".
""Vehicle" is a hypernym of "car" and "lorry"."
"In a thesaurus, a hypernym gives the wider category that a word belongs to."
""Fruit" is the hypernym, and "apple" and "pear" sit beneath it."
How to use hypernym
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general word that covers more specific ones, like "insect" for "ant".
When to use it
It is a technical term, used mainly in linguistics and semantics.
Memory tip
Hyponym is easily confused with hypernym, so remember that hyper- means over, which points to the broader term.
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Easily confused with
Common pairings
hypernym and hyponym
hypernym of a word
a hypernym for
semantic hypernym
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Fill the gap
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"Vehicle" is a _____ of "car" and "lorry".
Etymology
The word is built from hyper-, meaning over, and -nym, meaning name. It draws on Ancient Greek roots.
Synonyms
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superordinate
umbrella term
blanket term
hyperonym
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is a hypernym?
A hypernym is a broader word that covers more specific words. For example, "insect" is a hypernym of "ant".
What is the opposite of a hypernym?
The opposite is a hyponym, the more specific word. "Ant" is a hyponym of "insect".
Can you give an example of a hypernym?
"Insect" is a hypernym for "ant", because every ant is an insect. Likewise "vehicle" is a hypernym of "car".
What is the meaning of hypernym?
"hypernym" (noun) means a word whose meaning includes the meanings of more specific words, as "insect" does for "ant".
