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

Etymology

eponym or eponym(ous) + -y entry 2

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eponymy was in 1865

Rhymes for eponymy

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Browse Nearby Words

eponymous
eponymy
epopea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eponymy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eponymy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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