1
a
: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing
The boy's name is Brad.
b
: a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity
2
: a descriptive often disparaging epithet
called him names
3
a
: reputation
gave the town a bad name
b
: an illustrious record : fame
made a name for himself in golf
c
: a person or thing with a reputation
one of the most detested names in history
5
: appearance as opposed to reality
a friend in name only
6
: one referred to by a name
praise his holy name
named; naming
1
: to give a name to : call
2
a
: to mention or identify by name
refused to name a suspect
b
: to accuse by name
3
: to nominate for office : appoint
4
: to decide on : choose
name the day of the wedding
5
: to mention explicitly : specify
unwilling to name a price
namer
noun
1
: of, relating to, or bearing a name
name tags
2
: appearing in the name of a literary or theatrical production
3
a
: having an established reputation
b
: featuring celebrities
Synonyms
Examples of name in a Sentence
Noun
Please write your name on this line.
State your name and occupation.
I refused to give them my name.
Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Clemens.
She registered at the hotel under a false name.
My full name is Susan Elaine Smith.
We had to memorize the names of all the countries in Africa.
“What's your dog's name?” “His name is Sandy.”
This is his song “Loving You” from the album of the same name.
The ship's name was “Titanic.”
Verb
“What are you going to name your new dog?” “I think I'll name him Sandy.”
The aptly named HMS “Victorious” helped the British Royal Navy win an important victory.
A man named James Smith is on the phone.
We named our daughter “Mary” in honor of her grandmother.
Can you name the person who attacked you?
All of the authors named above were influenced by his work.
She was named to replace him as the company's vice president.
Adjective
the university's physics department boasts a number of name physicists
Recent Examples on the Web
David Krumboltz, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Adding poignancy, the narrative is interspersed with obituaries of some of the patients Shelly could not save, showing them as human beings and not just names on a medical chart.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
Samantha Dunn, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Norton was also named in a lawsuit that accused him of injuring a 15-year-old Broomfield girl with disabilities during an arrest.
—Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
Vulture, 23 June 2022
Although pancake mix and syrup are not sold out in most stores, most popular or name brand items are harder to come by.
—Dallas News, 26 Apr. 2020
See all Example Sentences for name 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The last successful Maxwell model was called the Chrysler Six, so when Maxwell Motors reorganized, the name was changed to Chrysler Corp. with guess-who as its president and board chairman.
—David Krumboltz, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Adding poignancy, the narrative is interspersed with obituaries of some of the patients Shelly could not save, showing them as human beings and not just names on a medical chart.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
In March 2023, Enrico Lopez-Yañez was named principal pops conductor for the Pacific Symphony, and in October of this year Limor Tomer was tapped to be the new vice president to head performing arts programs at Segerstrom Center.
—Samantha Dunn, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Norton was also named in a lawsuit that accused him of injuring a 15-year-old Broomfield girl with disabilities during an arrest.
—Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
As interesting as the pro-name change argument may be, Zaslav may ultimately decide it’s not worth the investment in time and resources to make what is at the core a cosmetic change.
—Vulture, 23 June 2022
Although pancake mix and syrup are not sold out in most stores, most popular or name brand items are harder to come by.
—Dallas News, 26 Apr. 2020
See all Example Sentences for name
Dictionary Entries Near name
Cite this Entry
“Name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
name
1 of 3 noun1
: a word or combination of words by which a person or thing is regularly known
2
: a descriptive often insulting word or phrase
called him names
3
: reputation sense 2
made a name for herself
4
: appearance as opposed to fact
a friend in name only
name
2 of 3 verb
named; naming
1
: to give a name to : call
2
a
: to mention or identify by name
b
: to accuse by name
name the culprit
3
: to nominate for office : appoint
named the diplomat Secretary of State
4
: to decide upon : choose
name the date for a wedding
5
: to mention specifically
name a price
namer
noun
name
3 of 3 adjective1
: bearing a name
name tag
2
: having an established reputation
name performers
name brands
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share