Metonymy

Pronunciation: me-ton'-y-my

Alternate Spelling: Also sp. metonimia

Definition

Reference to something or someone by naming one of its attributes.

Examples

The pen is mightier than the sword The pen is an attribute of thoughts that are written with a pen; the sword is an attribute of military action We await word from the crown. I'm told he's gone so far as to giver her a diamond ring The IRS is auditing me? Great. All I need is a couple of suits arriving at my door.