What does misnomer mean?
A misnomer is a name, label, or designation that does not accurately describe what it identifies. Saying that a description is a misnomer emphasizes not merely that it is unusual, but that it is actively misleading: the word promises one thing while the reality is something else. The term is frequently used in journalism, academic writing, business, law, and everyday criticism, as in “a common misnomer” or “an unfortunate misnomer.” It is more precise than simply calling something inaccurate, because it points specifically to the mismatch between a name or description and its referent. A misnomer may be an old expression retained for convenience, a misleading technical label, or an informal title that oversells a product or activity. Although the word can sound formal, it is widely understood and remains useful whenever a label creates a false impression.
nounA name or label that is inaccurate or misleading because it is applied to the wrong thing or does not properly describe it. The word can also refer more broadly to the practice or result of calling something by an inappropriate name.
- A name or label that is inaccurate, inappropriate, or misleading for the thing it denotes.
"Calling a small, ornamental pond a lake was a complete misnomer."
"Calling the company an employee-owned business was a misnomer."
"The term 'bank' was initially a misnomer because the institution did not provide the usual banking services."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple inaccurate or misleading names or labels.
"Several of the product's traditional names are now regarded as misnomers."
Misnomer is a name that promises more than it delivers—the linguistic equivalent of putting the wrong label on a jar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misnomer come from?
Misnomer was formed in the early modern period from Greek elements meaning “wrong” and “name.” The English word entered use as a learned formation modeled on similar Greek-derived terms. Its relatives include misname, while nomenclature and onomatopoeia share the Greek element onoma, meaning “name.”
How misnomer is actually used
Formally neutral but often mildly critical, this word is used when a label is misleading rather than merely unusual. It is common in editorial, academic, legal, and explanatory prose, and there is no significant British–American difference in usage.
Easily confused with misnomer
A misname is the act of giving something an incorrect name, whereas a misnomer is the incorrect name or label itself.