neɪm n. & v. --n. 1 a
the word by
which an
individual person,
animal,
place, or
thing is
known,
spoken of, etc. (mentioned
him by name;
her name is Joanna). b
all who go
under one name; a
family,
clan, or
people in terms of
its name (the
Scottish name). 2 a a usu.
abusive term used of a person etc. (called him names). b a word denoting an
object or
esp. a
class of objects, ideas, etc. (what is the name of
that kind of vase?; that
sort of
behaviour has no name). 3 a
famous person (many
great names
were there). 4 a
reputation, esp. a
good one (has a name
for honesty;
their name is
guarantee enough). 5
something existing
only nominally (opp.
FACT, REALITY). 6 (attrib.)
widely known (a name
brand of shampoo). --v.tr. 1
give a usu. specified name to (named the
dog Spot). 2
call (a person or thing) by the
right name (named the
man in the photograph). 3
mention;
specify;
cite (named
his requirements). 4
nominate;
appoint, etc. (was named the
new chairman). 5 specify as something desired (named it as her dearest wish). 6
Brit. Parl. (of the Speaker) mention (an MP) as
disobedient to the
chair. øby name called (Tom by name).
have to one's name
possess. in all but name virtually. in name (or name only) as a mere
formality;
hardly at all (is the
leader in name only). in a person's name = in the name of. in the name of
calling to
witness; invoking (in the name of goodness). in one's
own name independently;
without authority.
make a name for
oneself become famous. name
after (US for) call (a person) by the name of (a specified person) (named him after his
uncle Roger). name-calling abusive
language. name-child (usu. foll. by of) one named after
another person. name-day 1 the feast-day of a
saint after
whom a person is named. 2 Brit. = ticket-day. name the
day arrange a date (esp. of a
woman fixing the date for her wedding). name-drop (-dropped, -dropping)
indulge in name-dropping. name-dropper a person who name-drops. name-dropping the
familiar mention of famous people as a
form of boasting. name names mention
specific names, esp. in
accusation. name of the game colloq. the
purpose or
essence of an
action etc. name-part the
title role in a
play etc. name-plate a
plate or
panel bearing the name of an
occupant of a
room etc. name-tape a
tape fixed to a
garment etc.
and bearing the name of the
owner. of (or by) the name of called. put one's name down for 1
apply for. 2
promise to
subscribe (a sum). what's in a name? names are
arbitrary labels.
you name it colloq. no
matter what;
whatever you like. øønameable adj. [OE nama, noma, (ge)namian f. Gmc, rel. to L
nomen, Gk onoma]