Metonymy - Definition, Meaning, and How to Use with Examples

Have you heard of the term ‘metonymy’? Let us find out what it is. This article will give you the meaning and definition of metonymy and also help you understand how metonymy can be used in sentences. You can also go through the examples given for a clearer idea. Check out the topics given below.

Table of Contents

• What Is Metonymy? – Meaning and Definition
• How to Use Metonymy in a Sentence? – Points to Remember
• Examples of Metonymy
• Frequently Asked Questions on Metonymy

What Is Metonymy? – Meaning and Definition

Metonymy is a figure of speech that is formed by the use of a term (the name of an object or an idea) to substitute another term that is closely related to the thing or idea. According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the term ‘metonymy’ is defined as “the act of referring to something by the name of something else that is closely connected with it”, and according to the Collins Dictionary, it is defined as “the substitution of a word referring to an attribute for the thing that is meant”.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines metonymy as “a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated”. According to the Macmillan Dictionary, metonymy is “the use of a word or phrase, when you refer to something using the name of something else that it is closely related to”.

How to Use Metonymy in a Sentence? – Points to Remember

Metonymy is used in the English language to express a thought or idea in a not-so-usual way. It aids you in adding flavour to your writing and producing an effect on the reader. There are some factors you need to keep in mind when employing metonymy in your sentences.

• Firstly, try to analyse what you want to convey to your target audience.
• Identify the word or phrase that can be substituted.
• Then, use a word that is closely related to the word or phrase to substitute it.

Metonymy, unlike some other figures of speech, is not just used to represent a piece of information figuratively. You might not be aware of it, but you would have been putting metonymy to use in your everyday conversations without realising it.

Examples of Metonymy

Here are a few examples of metonymy for your reference. Check them out, try to analyse and comprehend how it works.

• • “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

The above sentence should be very familiar to you. It is from ‘Cardinal Richelieu’, a play by Edward Bulwer Lytton. The words – ‘pen’ and ‘sword’ contribute to the effect of metonymy. The two words are not used in a literal sense. On the contrary, the term ‘pen’ refers to written words and the term ‘sword’ refers to military aggression.

• • Everyone should pledge their allegiance to the crown.

The ‘crown’ here refers to the ruler – the king or queen and not literally the object.

• • We loved the special exotic dish we had at the party.

Here, the word ‘dish’ refers to the particular food served in a dish at the party.

• • All of us were happy that Natalie finally made it to Hollywood.

‘Hollywood’ is, in fact, a place in Los Angeles, California. However, the term is used to

refer to the English film industry as the place is associated with the showbiz world.

• • “O, for a draught of vintage!”

The above example is a line from the poem, ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ by John Keats. Keats uses the word ‘vintage’ here to refer to wine.

• • Did you get a ride yet?

In this sentence, the term ‘ride’ is used as a substitute for a car or a cab.

• • That baby has all my heart.

Here, the word ‘heart’ is used as a substitute for love.

• • Do you have any idea what his mother tongue is?

The term mother tongue refers to the language spoken by the individual referred to as ‘his’.

• • My class teacher asked me to give her a hand with the notebooks and records.

‘Hand’ here is a word substitute for help.

• • The coach is looking to add some new blood to our team.

The term ‘new blood’ here refers to new people. The sentence, therefore, means that the coach is planning to include someone new to join the team.