Names: meaning, definitions and examples

Use to refer to the identifying words or phrases by which someone or something is known.

• 'My name is John
• ' 'They gave their new pet two names
• '

Use when referring to the name of a book, movie, or other work, or a term indicating someone's status or position.

• 'The title of the book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
• ' 'He was given the title of Manager
• '

Use when referring to a descriptive or identifying tag attached to something, often used to categorize or organize.

• 'The jar had a label that said 'Strawberry Jam'
• ' 'She doesn't like being put into a label
• '

Use to refer to a person's name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification, often on documents.

• 'She signed her signature at the bottom of the form
• ' 'They collected signatures for the petition
• '

Used in everyday situations to identify people, places, or things. It is the most general and neutral term.

• What's your name? / We need to come up with a name for our new product

Used in formal or literary contexts to denote titles or names given to someone or something, often with an air of respect or distinction.

• The city has earned the appellation 'The Big Apple'
• / He was proud of his appellations of nobility

Used informally or colloquially to refer to a person's nickname, often with a quirky or humorous undertone.

• He earned the moniker 'The Brain' in college
• / Her moniker in high school was 'Queen Bee'

Used informally or in slang to refer to someone's nickname or internet alias. It can sometimes carry a casual or playful connotation.

• What's your handle on Instagram? / He goes by the handle 'Speedy' in online games

Duplicated entry; refer to the first entry for 'names'.

Used when assigning a descriptive or categorical tag to someone or something, often implying a simplification or stereotype, and sometimes carrying a negative connotation.

• It's unfair to label all teenagers as irresponsible.
• The jar was labeled 'sugar' but actually contained salt.

Used in formal contexts or when determining the identity or characteristics of someone or something.

• He was able to identify the suspect based on the description given.
• Doctors identify the symptoms before making a diagnosis.

Used when you are addressing someone or something by a particular name or term, often informally or in conversation.

• Everyone calls him Johnny instead of John.
• She called her cat over for dinner.