Last Updated on March 23, 2022
What is Metonymy? To help you understand what this literary device is and how it is used, this article provides detailed guidance on definitions and examples of Metonymy, and how it can be used in a sentence.
Table of Contents
Definition of Metonymy
Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one object or idea takes the place of another with which it has a close association. In fact, metonymy means “change of name.” As a literary device, it is a way of replacing an object or idea with something related to it instead of stating what is actually meant. Metonymy enables writers to express a word or thought in a different way by using a closely related word or thought. Therefore, this is a method for writers to vary their expression and produce an effect for the reader.
Common Examples of Metonymy
Understanding the context of metonymy is important. Every time you hear the word “pen,” it’s not necessarily a stand-in for “the written word.” Sometimes, a pen is just a pen. Look for context clues in the sentence to help you decide if the word is simply a word or a representation. These examples include both the metonymy and the possible object or concepts for which it could fill in, and example sentences to further enhance your appreciation and understanding of metonymy.
| Metonymy | Meaning | Example |
| crown | in place of a royal person | We will swear loyalty to the crown. |
| The White House or The Oval Office | used in place of the President or White House staff | The White House will be making an announcement around noon. |
| suits | in place of businesspeople | If we don’t get these reports in today, the suits will be after us. |
| heart | to refer to love or emotion | My dear, you have all of my heart. |
| dish | for an entire plate of food | That fancy fish dish you made was the best of the evening. |
| Washington | to refer to the U.S. government | After the protests, maybe Washington will listen to the voters. |
| the big house | to refer to prison | My brother was just released from the big house. |
| Silicon Valley | to refer to the tech industry | Silicon Valley is constantly pushing the boundaries in innovation. |
| Hollywood | to refer to the film industry | It seems like people will do whatever Hollywood says is cool. |
| ears | for giving attention, listening | Tell me about your first date. I’m all ears! |
| silver fox | for an attractive older man | Your older neighbor is quite the silver fox. |
| hand | for help | Can you give me a hand carrying this box up the stairs? |
| tongue | used in place of language | I couldn’t understand them, they spoke in their mother tongue. |
| brass | used in place of high-ranking officials | Look lively, the top brass are coming for an audit today. |
| new blood | used in place of new people, fresh ideas | The team needs some new blood if it’s going to win next season. |
Metonymy vs. Synecdoche vs. Metaphor
Close relatives of metonymy are synecdoche and metaphors. In fact, some consider synecdoche to be a type of metonymy. Since you’ve explored the metonymy definition, it’s time to look at synecdoche and metaphor and how the three are related. While metonymy replaces a concept or object entirely with a related term, synecdoche takes an element of the object and uses it to refer to the whole, and metaphor uses, unlike things to draw an interesting comparison.
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