DictionaryAI

nickname

USNIK-naym/ˈnɪkneɪm/

Pluralnicknames

Verbnicknames, nicknaming, nicknamed

2 meanings of nickname

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable
    A different, informal name for someone or something, often a short form of the real name, like Liz for Elizabeth.

    My grandpa's nickname was Red because of his bright red hair.

    The kids gave their noisy old car a nickname, the Rattler.

    UsageSay give someone a nickname.

    Similarmoniker, sobriquet

    Note
  2. 2
    give a labelverbtransitive
    To give a person or thing a nickname.

    Kids often nickname their friends after something funny they did.

    My little brother was nicknamed Bear because he loved hugs.

    UsageSay nicknamed him Bear, with no as.

    Similardub, call, christen

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Origin

From an older word, ekename, meaning “an extra name”; “an ekename” was later heard as “a nekename.”

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts