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Definition of nickname

nickname

/ˈnɪk.neɪm/
nick · name
Plural:nicknames
•
Past Simple:nicknamed
•
Past Participle:nicknamed
•
Present Participle:nicknaming
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nickname Lexical Profile

nickname Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A familiar, humorous, or shortened name given to a person, place, or thing instead of or in addition to the real or official name.

Example

"Because of his bright red hair, his teammates gave him the nickname "Rusty.""

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nickname

• verb

1

To give an informal, humorous, or descriptive name to a person, place, or thing.

Example

"The local residents nicknamed the steep hill "Heartbreak Ridge" because of how exhausting it was to climb."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nickname

• Nearby Words

nick
nickel
nickelodeon
nickname
nicknamer
nicoise
nicosia

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'ekename' (literally 'additional name'), altered through faulty division of the phrase 'an ekename' into 'a nekename'.

Cite this Entry

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