names Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
    name calling.
    • sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me
  2. noun a language unit by which a person or thing is known
    name.
    • his name really is George Washington
    • those are two names for the same thing
  3. noun a person's reputation
    name.
    • he wanted to protect his good name
  4. noun family based on male descent
    name; gens.
    • he had no sons and there was no one to carry on his name
  5. noun a well-known or notable person
    name; figure; public figure.
    • they studied all the great names in the history of France
    • she is an important figure in modern music
  6. noun by the sanction or authority of
    name.
    • halt in the name of the law
  7. noun a defamatory or abusive word or phrase
    epithet; name.
  8. verb assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
    call; name.
    • They named their son David
    • The new school was named after the famous Civil Rights leader
  9. verb give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property
    identify; name.
    • Many senators were named in connection with the scandal
    • The almanac identifies the auspicious months
  10. verb charge with a function; charge to be
    nominate; make; name.
    • She was named Head of the Committee
    • She was made president of the club
  11. verb create and charge with a task or function
    appoint; nominate; constitute; name.
    • nominate a committee
  12. verb mention and identify by name
    name.
    • name your accomplices!
  13. verb make reference to
    name; bring up; advert; mention; cite; refer.
    • His name was mentioned in connection with the invention
  14. verb identify as in botany or biology, for example
    name; describe; discover; identify; key; distinguish; key out.
  15. verb give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of
    list; name.
    • List the states west of the Mississippi
  16. verb determine or distinguish the nature of a problem or an illness through a diagnostic analysis
    diagnose; name.

WordNet