Search Dictionary
Definition of initialism

initialism

/ɪˈnɪʃ.əˌlɪz.əm/
in · i · tial · ism
Plural:initialisms
JUMP TO:

initialism Lexical Profile

initialism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An abbreviation consisting of the first letters of a group of words, pronounced separately letter by letter rather than as a single word.

Example

"The term 'HTML' is an initialism because each letter is spoken individually."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for initialism

Word Nuance & Usage

Strictly speaking, an initialism is pronounced letter by letter (such as FBI or BBC), whereas an acronym is pronounced as a single word (such as NASA or scuba), though 'acronym' is often used loosely to cover both.

• Rhymes for initialism

• Nearby Words

inhumanly
inimitably
initial
initialism
initialization
initialize
initially

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century from the noun 'initial' (derived from Latin 'initialis', meaning 'of the beginning') combined with the suffix '-ism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Initialism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/initialism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.