Byword

/ˈbaɪ.wɜːrd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A word or phrase that has become generally accepted as a synonym or representative of a particular quality or idea.

His name became a byword for success in the industry.

A person or thing that embodies a particular quality.

She was a byword for kindness, always helping those in need.

A common saying or motto.

In our family, 'hard work pays off' is a byword we all live by.

The word 'byword' originated from the Old English 'bīword', meaning 'a word by, or regarding, something'.

byword for success

Refers to someone or something that is considered a representative example of success.

become a byword

To become widely recognized as a representative example of a certain quality.

saying

A short, memorable phrase that conveys a truth or principle.

proverb

A simple and concrete saying popularly known and repeated, which expresses a truth based on common sense or experience.

maxim

A brief statement of a general truth or principle.

Common catchphrase used in everyday conversation.

That joke is an old byword in our circle.

A reference to something that encapsulates a concept.

Her name is a byword in art circles.