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Definition of byword

byword

/ˈbaɪˌwɜːrd/
by · word
Plural:bywords
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byword Lexical Profile

byword Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person, place, or thing cited as a notable and outstanding example or embodiment of a particular quality.

Example

"Swiss watchmaking has long been a byword for precision and reliability."

2

A frequently used proverb, common saying, or catchphrase.

Example

"Safety first became the daily byword among the construction crew."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for byword

• Nearby Words

bystander
byte
byway
byword
byzantine
byzantium
ca river

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'bīword', meaning a proverb or household saying, formed from 'bī-' (by, secondary) and 'word' (word, speech).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Byword. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/byword
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