Appearance
Use device theme  
Dark theme
Light theme

What is a retronym?

What is a retronym? Here are some definitions.

Noun
  1. (grammar) A new word or phrase coined for an old object or concept whose original name has become used for something else or is no longer unique. [from 1980s]
Find more words!
Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Advanced Search Advanced Search
Use * for blank spaces Advanced Search
Advanced Word Finder
Examples
In other words, in 1929-30, this formulation is not a retronym.
Consider reduplicated retronyms: first came paperbackbook, differentiated from a book with a cloth or leather binding, provoking the retronym hardcoverbook.
Somebody may be sending me a text message, necessitating the retronym audiomessage, and someday a cellphone videoalert.

See Also

Nearby Definitions
8-letter Words Starting With
Find Definitions
go
Word Tools Finders & Helpers Apps More Synonyms
Copyright WordHippo © 2024