name-dropping

noun

name-drop·​ping ˈnām-ˌdrä-piŋ How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others
name-drop
ˈnām-ˌdräp How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
intransitive verb
name-dropper
ˈnām-ˌdrä-pər How to pronounce name-dropping (audio)
noun

Examples of name-dropping in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While snobbery and name-dropping dominate, Nora’s feeling of alienation is tempered by her crush on associate editor Thomas (Joshuah Melnick) who, though only slightly older, seems to know everything about piloting the scene. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 The issue is the new name-dropping that’s come since her book came out. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 Kahan’s subject matter sets him apart from most of his adult-contemporary contemporaries, often directly mentioning an interstate highway or name-dropping a city in the New England region. — Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 29 Apr. 2026 Instead, there’s a whole lot of Wells Fargo name-dropping in Kristen’s explanation that the Active Cash Credit Card is funding cash prizes for the Elimination challenge. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for name-dropping

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of name-dropping was in 1945

Rhymes for name-dropping

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Browse Nearby Words

name-dropper
name-dropping
nameless
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Cite this Entry

“Name-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-dropping. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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