eponymy

noun

epon·​y·​my i-ˈpä-nə-mē How to pronounce eponymy (audio)
e-
plural eponymies
: the explanation of a proper name (as of a town or tribe) by supposing a fictitious eponym

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eponymy was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Eponymy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eponymy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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