What is a Metonym or Metonymy? A metonym is a word or phrase used in place of a closely related word. A metonym is a form of figurative language. Metonyms closely resemble metaphors, but the thing being represented by a metonym will be a close match. A metonym is often an attribute or a component part of the thing being represented.
- “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” – Shakespeare’s “Julies Caesar” Act I.
- “As he swung toward them holding up the hand
Half in appeal, but half as if to keep
The life from spilling” – “Out, Out” by Robert Frost.
- He is a man of the cloth.
- Can you please give me a hand carrying this box up the stairs?
- The library – for the staff or the books
- Pen – for the written word
- Sword – for military might
I have never heard of this term but I use it every day in my speech and written communications. Do you have a metonym that you use over and over again?