What does LABEL mean?

Parts of Speech: Noun, verb

Definitions:

1. a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it.
2. to attach a label to (something).
3. to describe or categorize (someone or something) in a way that is inaccurate or unfair.

Pronunciations:

• US: /ˈleɪbəl/
• UK: /ˈleɪbl̩/

Origin and Usage: The word "label" comes from the Old French word "label" meaning "ribbon, fringe". It was originally used to describe a piece of ribbon or cloth attached to a garment for identification purposes. The verb form of "label" came into use in the 17th century and means "to attach a label to something". The figurative sense of "labeling" someone or something in a negative or unfair way has been in use since the 19th century.

Synonyms: tag, sticker, marker, tab, ticket

Related Words: badge, brand, stamp, tabby, tache

Example Sentences:

• The label on the back of the shirt said "100% cotton".
• She carefully labeled each jar with its contents.
• Don label him as lazy just because he doesn like to work late.