Metonymy: Meaning, Definition & Examples with Exercises

As discussed above, Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is substituted with another that is closely associated with it. Unlike metaphor, which draws comparisons between unrelated things, Metonymy uses a related concept or attribute to match with the thing itself. In simple words, unlike Metaphor, which draws comparison, Metonymy uses Association. The main purpose of Metonymy is:

• To create a symbolic or vivid image
• To give deeper meaning or tone to writing or speech
• To replace a complex or abstract concept with a better or familiar one

Examples of Metonymy are:

• The crown will find an heir. Here, the crown represents a monarch or a royal
• The stage applauded wildly. Stage, here, refers to the audience at a performance
• They need more boots on the ground. Boots here represent soldiers or troops, not the footwear
• Detroit is known for making great cars. Here, Detroit stands for the American auto industry 

Also Read:

• Personification
• Puns
• Alliteration
• Simile

According to Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the term ‘Metonymy’ is defined as “the act of referring to something by the name of something else that is closely connected with it.”

Collins Dictionary defines Metonymy as “the substitution of a word referring to an attribute for the thing that is meant”.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Metonymy is a figure of speech consisting of the use of the name of one thing for that of another of which it is an attribute or with which it is associated”.

Metonymy in English grammar is used to express a thought or idea in a non-usual way. At times, you are not aware that you are putting Metonymy in a sentence but, you might be using it in daily conversations without even realizing it.  

Now, using Metonymy in a sentence means replacing a word or phrase with another closely related idea or word. To use it properly as a word in a sentence, here is what you can do:

• Closely associated with the idea that you want to convey
• Culturally understood by the reader or listener

A few of examples of Metonymy words, their meaning, and how they can be used in sentences are given below:

Also Read: 

• Adverbs
• Phrases

While Metonymy may not be a part of English grammar, it is important to understand its role in the English language and communication. The importance of Metonymy is given below:

• Makes language more expressive: Metonymy add imagery, symbolism, and creativity in the English language. Instead of saying, The King or Queen will decide, one can say, The crown will decide
• Helps say more with a few words: Metonymy helps to say more with a better explanation in just a few words. So, instead of saying, The American film industry is obsessed with making sequels, one can say, Hollywood is producing a number of sequels these days
• Created powerful imagery: Speakers and writers use Metonymy to create mental pictures that have a deeper and emotional impact. For instance, He laid down his sword, symbolizing the end of a fight and not just putting down the weapon
• Used in News, Everyday Speech and Literature: Metonymy is used in everyday speech, news, literature, poems, etc. For instance, the Wall Street tumbles amid the recession fears. The metonymic word used here is Wall Street.
• Improves rhetorical and persuasive skills: In writing or while speaking, using Metonymy gives a professional, persuasive, or poetic tone.

Also Read: 

• What are Tenses?
• Definition of Vocabulary
• What are Articles

Metonymy and Synecdoche are both rhetorical devices that are often confused because they both involve substitution. But, they are not the same. With Metonymy, the replacement could be any related or associated word, whereas, the Synecdoche, the replacement must be a specific portion or part. A comparison between these is given below:

Given below are some of the books that students can refer to learn what Metonymy is and practice questions.

Students can refer to the books mentioned above to prepare for entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, etc. Furthermore, these books can come in handy when students have to prepare for English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Find below the best books for some common topics of English grammar:

Students can check how Metonymy words are used in a sentence and what their literal meaning is. Here are 10 examples of Metonymy:

• The pen is mightier than the sword. Here, the words ‘pen’ and ‘sword’ contribute to the effect of Metonymy. The word ‘pen’ refers to written words and ‘sword’ refers to military aggression
• All of us were happy when Priyanka finally made it to Hollywood. Here, Hollywood is used to refer to the English film industry
• The baby has all my heart. Here, the word ‘heart’ is used as a substitute for love
• My mentor asked me to give her a hand with the notebooks. Here, the word ‘hand’ is a substitute for help
• Everyone should pledge their allegiance to the crown. Here, the crown is a Metonymic word, and it refers to Royal power, monarchy
• The bench announced a death sentence to that person. Here, the Bench refers to Judges or the Judicial system
• The White House issued a statement yesterday. The White House here refers to the U.S. President or government
• The Suits made the final decision in the meeting today. Here, the Suits refer to Business Executives.
• She belongs on the stage as she is a natural performer. Here, the Stage refers to Theater or Performing Arts
• The press has gathered outside the police station. Here, the Press refers to the media or journalists