hyponym

Definition

A more specific term; a subordinate grouping word or phrase; a term designating a subclass of another more general class described by the given word.

Etymology

From hyp- + -onym or hypo- + -nym; from Ancient Greek ὑπό (hupó, “under”) + ὄνυμα (ónuma) ("appellation"), a Doric specific dialectal form of ὄνομα (ónoma, “name”).

Example Sentences

• "The words “dog”, “cat”, and “horse” are hyponyms of “animal” because dogs, cats, and horses are types of animal."
• "Woman itself has as other hyponyms, sculptress and waitress, but is itself a hyponym of adult."

Related Words