Metonymy Figure of Speech: Definition, Examples, Usage & Worksheet

What Is Metonymy in Figure of Speech?

According to the Collins Dictionary, metonymy meaning to the substitution of a word referring to an attribute for the thing that is meant. And as per the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, metonymy figure of speech pronounced as (meh-tah-nuh-mee) is the act of referring to something by the name of something else that is closely connected with it.

For example, the White House announced a new policy. Here, the metonymy is used to refer to the action of the government, and not to stand for the buildings. In this case, the physical White House building is associated with the U.S. government and its actions.

Instead of directly referring to something, a metonymy figure of speech uses a related concept to stand in for the original. The connection between the substitute word and the thing it presents can be based on location, function, attribute, or other relationships. Hopefully, now you are clear about the metonymy definition with the above information.

15 Examples of Metonymy

In spoken and written language, metonymy is used everywhere. The substitute words or phrases used in any sentence structure can create vivid imagery, simplify language, or convey abstract concepts more tangibly. You can understand better through metonymy examples sentences. Here are 15 examples of metonymy in various categories.

Examples Based on Physical Objects

1. Hollywood is releasing its new blockbuster. (Refers to the film industry)

2. Wall Street is feeling the pressure. (Refers to the financial industry)

3. Silicon Valley is buzzing with innovation. (Refers to the tech industry)

4. The Pentagon is preparing for a new conflict. (Refers to the Department of Defense)

Examples Based on Concepts and Ideas

1. The Crown is expected to announce a new policy. (Refers to the British monarch)

2. The pen is mightier than the sword. (Refers to the power of words)

3. The bench is deciding on the verdict. (Refers to the judiciary)

4. The press is reporting on the latest scandal. (Refers to the media)

Examples Based on Body Parts

1. Give me a hand. (Refers to help)

2. He has a heart of gold. (Refers to a generous person)

3. She put her heart into her work. (Refers to passion and dedication)

4. I'm all ears. (Refers to paying attention)

Examples Based on Locations

1. The Oval Office is getting a lot of attention. (Refers to the President and his staff)

2. Madison Avenue is crafting the latest advertising campaign. (Refers to the advertising industry)

3. The big house is waiting for him. (Refers to prison)

The above metonymy examples sentences are based on different categories.

How to Use Metonymy in Sentences?

Metonymy in English is used in the form of words, phrases, or terms to represent any idea or context. To use metonymy in literature, you will replace the words or phrases with something closely associated with it. This association is not necessarily part of the whole, but rather a conceptual link to the sentence. For example, the pen can represent the written word, and the crown can stand for the monarchy. Here are some key points to remember while using metonymy.

• Not Direct Association: The relationship between the metonymy and what it represents can be based on source, location, effect, or association, not direct association.
• Commonly Used in Everyday Speech: Metonymy words are frequently used in formal and informal contexts or everyday speech, often without explicit recognition.
• Identify the Relationship: Find a concept or object closely associated with what you want to discuss. To identify the metonymy meaning, focus on the relationship between the substitute term and the original.
• Maintain Context: While using metonymy, maintaining the context is important. It allows the audience to readily understand the intended meaning.

The above information will help you understand how to use metonymy, a figure of speech, properly.

Worksheet for Metonymy Figure of Speech

After understanding the metonymy figure of speech definition and examples, it is time to evaluate your understanding. We have provided you with a worksheet so identify how much you have comprehended this by all the information. In the following worksheet, identify the metonymy in each sentence and explain what the metonymy is referring to.

1. The crown is making a decision.

2. He spent a lot of cash on the vacation.

3. The pencil wrote a beautiful story.

4. The Senate is considering a new bill.

5. The city is very busy with tourists.

6. The wheels of progress are turning.

7. We are going to visit the hospital later.

8. The White House announced the new policy.

9. The pen is mightier than the sword.

10. The press is reporting on the accident.

Answers for the Worksheet:

1. The crown refers to the king or the royal government.

2. Cash refers to money.

3. The pencil refers to the act of writing.

4. The Senate refers to the group of senators.

5. City refers to the people of the city.

6. Wheels refer to the process of progress.

7. The hospital refers to the doctors or staff.

8. The White House refers to the president.

9. Pen refers to writing. 

10. Press refers to the media.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed the metonymy figure of speech definition and examples in this blog. A figure of speech is important in English grammar and communication, and you have understood it very well through this blog. These are also crucial to clarify complex ideas and describe points. Apart from the adjectives, nouns, pronouns, verbs, and prepositions, understanding them is also necessary. You have also solved a worksheet and clarified the use of metonymy. But if you still have any queries regarding this figure of speech or any related topic, feel free to connect with Gradding’s experts!

FAQs

1. What Is Metonymy in Literature?

Metonymy in literature is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is used to represent something closely associated with it, rather than the thing itself. It is a substitution where the substituted word is not a direct synonym but has a meaningful connection to the original.

2. What Are 5 Examples of Metonymy?

Here are the 5 examples of metonymy figure of speech used in sentences.

• The media or news outlets- The press is reporting a major scandal.
• The judicial system or judges- The bench will hear the case next month.
• Violence or conflict- The sword of justice is ready to strike.
• Academia or a place detached from the real world- The professor is living in an ivory tower.
• The President of the US, or the executive branch of the government- The Oval Office made a big decision.

3. What Is Metonymy Figure of Speech in Poetry?

Metonymy figure of speech in poetry where a word or phrase is used to refer to something related but not literally part of the real concept. For example- O, for a draught of vintage! Here, vintage stands for the wine.

4. How Is Metonymy Different from Metaphor and Synecdoche?

Metonymy, metaphor, and synecdoche are all figures of speech that use substitution, but they differ in the relationship between the substituted words. Metonymy replaces a word with another that is closely associated with it, but synecdoche uses a part of something to represent the whole.

5. What Is the Purpose of Metonymy?

Metonymy’s primary purpose is to represent a concept or entity with a related term, creating a vivid and concise way to convey meaning.