name (nām)
n.

1. A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.
2. A word or group of words used to describe or evaluate, often disparagingly.
3. Representation or repute, as opposed to reality: a democracy in name, a police state in fact.
4. 1. A reputation: has a bad name.
   2. A distinguished reputation: made a name for himself as a drummer.
5. An illustrious or outstanding person: joined several famous names for a photograph. See synonyms at celebrity.

tr.v., named, nam·ing, names.

1. To give a name to: named the child after both grandparents.
2. To mention, specify, or cite by name: named the primary colors.
3. To call by an epithet: named them all cowards.
4. To nominate for or appoint to a duty, an office, or an honor. See synonyms at appoint.
5. To specify or fix: We need to name the time for our meeting.

adj. Informal
Well-known by a name: a name performer.

idioms:

in the name of

1. By the authority of: Open up in the name of the law!
2. For the reason of; using as a reason: grisly experiments performed in the name of science.

to (one's) name

1. Belonging to one: I don't have a hat to my name.

[Middle English, from Old English nama.]

namable nam'a·ble or name'a·ble adj.
namer nam'er n.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---