noun

onomastics

on-uh-MAS-tiks

Quiz me More like this

Onomastics (noun) means the study within lexicology of names and how they are formed, with particular attention to where they originally come from. Example: “She specialises in onomastics, tracing how surnames spread across a region.”

noun

The study within lexicology of names and how they are formed, with particular attention to where they originally come from.

"She specialises in onomastics, tracing how surnames spread across a region."

"Onomastics can explain why so many villages share the same root name."

"His university course in onomastics covered both personal names and place names."

How to use onomastics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe study of names and why they were chosen.

When to use it

This is a specialist academic term found mainly in linguistics contexts.

Memory tip

Link onoma- to name, as in anonymous, to remember the core meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

the field of onomastics study onomastics an onomastics scholar personal-name onomastics

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like onomastics.

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

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 “onomastics” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She specialises in _____, tracing how surnames spread across a region.

Etymology

Onomastics was first recorded in 1936, formed in English by adding the suffix -s to the earlier adjective onomastic. That adjective itself reaches back through French to Ancient Greek words meaning to name and name.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

onomatology

Rhymes for onomastics

plastics gymnastics

See all rhymes for onomastics →

Frequently asked questions

What is onomastics?

Onomastics is the branch of lexicology that studies names and how they are given, especially their origins.

Where does the word onomastics come from?

It was first recorded in 1936 and was built from the earlier adjective onomastic, which reaches back through French to Ancient Greek words for naming.

What is another word for onomastics?

Onomastics is also known as onomatology.

What is the meaning of onomastics?

"onomastics" (noun) means the study within lexicology of names and how they are formed, with particular attention to where they originally come from.