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
Paul Grein, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2024
No explanation was made about Wallen’s absence, which riled up his fans in the late night hours, even though his name had been absent from the streaming schedule that was posted earlier.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for name 
Noun
At the first Grammy Awards in May 1959, Henry Mancini won album of the year for The Music From Peter Gunn, his jazzy score to the TV detective series of the same name.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2024
No explanation was made about Wallen’s absence, which riled up his fans in the late night hours, even though his name had been absent from the streaming schedule that was posted earlier.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for name
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'name.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near name
Cite this Entry
“Name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name. Accessed 3 May. 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