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Metonym Definition & Meaning

metonym
noun
  1. a word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing; "Washington is a metonym for the United States government"; "plastic is a metonym for credit card"

Usage tips for "metonym"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "metonym" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for metonym to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does metonym mean?
a word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing; "Washington is a metonym for the United States government"; "plastic is a metonym for credit card"
What part of speech is metonym?
Metonym is a noun.

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