noun
zeugma
ZOOG-muh
Zeugma (noun) means a figure of speech in which one word, often a verb or adjective, applies to two or more nouns though it fits only one of them in sense. Example: “The line about losing her keys and her temper is a classic zeugma.”
noun
1
rhetoric A figure of speech in which one word, often a verb or adjective, applies to two or more nouns though it fits only one of them in sense.
"The line about losing her keys and her temper is a classic zeugma."
"Writers use zeugma to add wit to a sentence."
"The teacher asked the class to find the zeugma in the poem."
How to use zeugma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne word doing double duty for two different things.
When to use it
It is a technical term used in rhetoric, literature, and writing classes.
Common pairings
a clever zeugma
use a zeugma
example of zeugma
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Etymology
English borrowed zeugma from Ancient Greek zeugma, meaning a yoking or a bond. The Greek word comes from a verb meaning to yoke or join, which in turn comes from the word for a yoke.
Synonyms
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syllepsis
Frequently asked questions
What is a zeugma?
A zeugma is a figure of speech where one word governs two or more nouns but fits the sense of only one of them.
How do you pronounce zeugma?
In American English it is commonly pronounced ZOOG-muh.
Is zeugma the same as syllepsis?
Some writers treat them as the same thing, while others distinguish between them.
What is the meaning of zeugma?
"zeugma" (noun) means a figure of speech in which one word, often a verb or adjective, applies to two or more nouns though it fits only one of them in sense.
