Definitions

1. noun

The use of a word to represent something else with which it is closely associated, such as a place representing an institution.

“The White House announced a new policy, employing metonymy to refer to the administration as a whole.”

2. noun

A word or phrase used in this way.

“In the poem, ‘the crown’ is an example of metonymy, representing the monarch.”

3. noun

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used to represent something else.

“The use of ‘heart’ to represent love or courage is an example of metonymy.”

4. verb

To use a word in this way.

“The poet often employed metonymy in her writing to create vivid imagery.”