Merriam - Webster Word of the day *acronym*

acronym


noun
ac·​ro·​nym ˈa-krə-ˌnim
: a word (such as NATO, radar, or laser) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term
also : an abbreviation (such as FBI) formed from initial letters : initialism
acronymic
ˌa-krə-ˈni-mik
adjective
acronymically
ˌa-krə-ˈni-mi-k(ə-)lē
adverb
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an acronym and an initialism?

Both acronyms and initialisms are made up of the first letter or letters of the words in a phrase. The word acronym typically applies when the resulting thing can be read as a word; for example, radar comes from "radio detection and ranging" and scuba comes from "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus." The word initialism only applies when the resulting thing is read as an abbreviation; for example DIY, which comes from "do it yourself," is pronounced by saying the names of the letters. Note that the word acronym is also sometimes used to mean "initialism."

What is the difference between an acronym and an abbreviation?

An acronym is a kind of abbreviation. Abbreviations can be shortened forms of any kind. For example, appt is an abbreviation of appointment, and ASAP is an abbreviation of as soon as possible. ASAP, however, also qualifies as an acronym because it is made up of the initial letters of the phrase it comes from: as soon as possible.

Is OK an acronym?

OK is technically an acronym. It comes from the phrase "oll korrect," a humorous alteration of "all correct."
Examples of acronym in a Sentence
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is known by the acronym “NATO.”
Recent Examples on the Web The group was founded in the 1980s and named after an Arabic acronym for the Islamic Resistance Movement. —
Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 10 Oct. 2023 The machine was jokingly christened MANIAC, and the full name followed, devised to fit the acronym: Mathematical Analyzer, Numerical Integrator, and Computer. — Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2023 They were signed by CJNG, the acronym for Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a rival of Guzmán’s Sinaloa cartel. —
George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acronym.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology

probably borrowed from German Akronym, Akronymon, from akr- acr- + -onym, -onymon -onym
First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of acronym was in 1940