View synonyms for

byword

[ bahy-wurd ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like.
Synonyms: ,
a word or phrase used proverbially; common saying; proverb.
Synonyms: , , , ,
an object of general reproach, derision, scorn, etc.:
His crimes will make him a byword through the ages.
an epithet, often of scorn.

byword

/ ˈ��ɪˌ��ɜː�� /

noun

a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of something
their name is a byword for good service
an object of scorn or derision
a common saying; proverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of byword¹

before 1050; Middle English biworde, Old English biwyrde. See by (adj.), word

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Word History and Origins

Origin of byword¹

Old English ��ī�ɲ�� ; see by , word ; compare Old High German ��ī�ɳܰ��پ� , from Latin ��ō��ܳ� proverb

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

New-year celebrations have become a byword for antisocial behaviour in many Dutch cities and public support for a ban has gradually changed the minds of politicians too.

From

Morecambe Bay became a byword for poor maternity care and the trust promised to enact all 18 recommendations from the Kirkup review.

From

Her third son, Ahmed, spent three years in the security system, including eight months in the red block for political prisoners in that byword for brutality, Saydnaya prison.

From

Northern Ireland is far from a byword for stable government.

From

“McMartin” became a byword for social contagion, hysteria and the epic failure of trusted institutions: law enforcement, courts, the child-therapy establishment and the media.

From

by weight by word of mouth

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