common noun

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tupperware had so dominated the business of storing leftover food for so long that the company name more or less became a common noun, used to describe even food storage containers made by other companies.

From Slate • Sep. 23, 2024

To some, lowercase-c “chautauqua” is a common noun, used as shorthand for an educational event composed of lectures, performances and/or concerts, and not tied to any particular geographic setting.

From Washington Post • Aug. 13, 2022

It’s used as a common noun and can be pluralized or singular, for instance: “you should set a passkey for your banking app.”

From The Verge • Aug. 5, 2022

Chaser also mapped the common noun "toy" onto these same objects.

From US News • Jan. 10, 2011

Indeed, there were several eminent linguists of the opinion that this was how the common noun had originated.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer