noun

metonymy

muh-TON-uh-mee

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Metonymy (noun) means a figure of speech in which something is called by the name of a thing closely associated with it, as when "the Crown" stands for the monarchy or "Hollywood" for the film industry. Example: “The White House denied the report" is metonymy: the building stands for the administration.”

noun

A figure of speech in which something is called by the name of a thing closely associated with it, as when "the Crown" stands for the monarchy or "Hollywood" for the film industry.

""The White House denied the report" is metonymy: the building stands for the administration."

"Using "the press" for journalists is a familiar metonymy."

A single expression used in this way.

""Suits" for executives is a metonymy that has entered ordinary speech."

How to use metonymy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCalling something by the name of a related thing, like saying "the Crown" to mean the monarchy.

When to use it

Technical and literary; belongs to grammar, rhetoric and criticism.

Memory tip

The adjective is metonymic and the plural is metonymies.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

metaphor → synecdoche → simile →

Common pairings

a form of metonymy metonymy for classic metonymy

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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”.

Test yourself on “metonymy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"The White House denied the report" is _____: the building stands for the administration.

Etymology

From Greek metonymia 'a change of name', from meta 'change' plus onyma 'name'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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figure of speech trope

Related words

metaphor cliché trope simile tropic

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between metonymy and metaphor?

A metaphor swaps in something unrelated for the sake of resemblance, as in "he is a lion". Metonymy swaps in something genuinely connected, as in "the Crown" for the monarchy, where the crown really belongs to the institution.

What is the difference between metonymy and synecdoche?

Synecdoche is the narrower case where a part stands for the whole, or the whole for a part, as in "all hands on deck". Metonymy covers any close association, not only part and whole, so many people treat synecdoche as a type of metonymy.

What are common examples of metonymy?

"The pen is mightier than the sword" for writing and warfare, "Downing Street" for the British government, "a dish" for a meal, and "the bench" for judges.

What is the meaning of metonymy?

"metonymy" (noun) means a figure of speech in which something is called by the name of a thing closely associated with it, as when "the Crown" stands for the monarchy or "Hollywood" for the film industry.

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metaphor cliché trope simile tropic