name-dropping

noun

name-drop·​ping ˈnām-ˌdrä-piŋ How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others
name-drop
ˈnām-ˌdräp How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
intransitive verb
name-dropper
ˈnām-ˌdrä-pər How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
noun

Examples of name-dropping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The issue is the new name-dropping that’s come since her book came out. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 Epstein’s pidgin writing style, paired with his name-dropping and vagueness, makes emails like this excellent fodder for both speculation and genuine concern. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2025 Include these mutual connections in your narrative as a tasteful, appropriate form of name-dropping. — Jerry Weissman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 The recipe has even made its way into celebrity circles, with Keke Palmer name-dropping the TikTok star in a recent interview. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for name-dropping

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of name-dropping was in 1945

Rhymes for name-dropping

See All Rhymes for name-dropping

Browse Nearby Words

name-dropper
name-dropping
nameless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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