label

1 of 2

noun

la·​bel ˈlā-bəl How to pronounce label (audio)
1
a
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description
The name is prominently displayed on the label.
b
: written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information
Read the warning label before taking any medicine.
c
: a descriptive or identifying word or phrase: such as
(1)
: epithet
acquired the label of "playboy"
(2)
: a word or phrase used with a dictionary definition to provide additional information
The label obsolete is abbreviated obs.
d
: a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling
2
a(1)
: a brand of commercial recordings issued under a usually trademarked name
(2)
: a company issuing such recordings
The band has made records for several different labels.
(3)
: a recording so issued
b
: the brand name of a retail store selling clothing, a clothing manufacturer, or a fashion designer
She only buys clothes with a designer label.
3
: an adhesive stamp (as for postage or revenue)
4
: a heraldic charge that consists of a narrow horizontal band with usually three pendants
5
archaic : band, fillet
specifically : one attached to a document to hold an appended seal

label

2 of 2

verb

labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce label (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to affix a label to
labeled the switches so as not to confuse them
b
: to describe or designate with or as if with a label
labels his photos with the date and place they were taken
2
a
: to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope (see isotope sense 1) distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity)
b
: to distinguish (something, such as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (such as a dye or labeled atom)
labelable adjective
labeler noun

Examples of label in a Sentence

Noun The name is prominently displayed on the label. You should read the warning label before you take any medicine. The word was given the label “obsolete.” Some people describe him as “selfish,” but he doesn't deserve that label. Once you give people labels, it's hard to see them as individuals. The band has made records for several different labels in their career. Verb Be sure to carefully label the switches so that you don't confuse them. He labels his photographs with the date and place they were taken.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
An ambassador of sorts, Italian pop star Achille Lauro, whose connection with fashion was cemented when Alessandro Michele developed custom looks for his performances, shared his own perspective on the fair’s appeal in representation of music label Warner Music Italia, a partner of the event. Martino Carrera, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024 In all cases, the contents of the vial and the label information on the syringe were noted at the time the video was shot. New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
Police – who have labeled the case a homicide – say their investigation is ongoing. Emily Palmer, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Starting a new job can be both exciting and challenging, especially for Gen Zers who often encounter unfair stereotypes like being labeled lazy or unmotivated. Tess Brigham, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for label 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'label.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French labelle

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Verb

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of label was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near label

Cite this Entry

“Label.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/label. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

label

1 of 2 noun
la·​bel ˈlā-bəl How to pronounce label (audio)
1
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) that is attached to something to identify or describe it
2
a
: a descriptive or identifying word or phrase
b
: the brand name of a commercial product

label

2 of 2 verb
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce label (audio)
1
: to attach a label to
2
: to name or describe with or as if with a label
3
: to make (as an element, compound, or cell) traceable by inclusion of a detectable part (as a radioactive isotope or a dye)

Medical Definition

label

1 of 2 noun
la·​bel ˈlā-bəl How to pronounce label (audio)
: a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling

label

2 of 2 transitive verb
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce label (audio)
1
: to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity) for tracing through chemical reactions or biological processes
2
: to distinguish (as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (as a dye or labeled atom)

More from Merriam-Webster on label

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