Label
/ˈleɪbl/
Definitions
3 meaningsA piece of paper or other material attached to something, typically giving information about it.
/ˈleɪbl/
A piece of paper or other material attached to an object to give information about it.
The label on the shirt indicated the size and washing instructions.
💡 Simply: It's like a name tag for things! A label tells you what something is, what's in it, or how much it costs. Think of the sticker on your favorite snack.
👶 For kids: A label is like a name tag for things, that tells you about them!
More Examples
He peeled off the label from the bottle.
The label on the package clearly stated the product's origin.
How It's Used
"The price is clearly marked on the label."
"The label on the food product listed the ingredients."
To attach a label to something.
/ˈleɪbl/
The librarian labeled the books according to their subject.
💡 Simply: To label something is to put a name tag on it. Imagine putting a sticker on a gift to say who it's for.
👶 For kids: To label means to put a name tag on something!
More Examples
He carefully labeled the packages to ensure proper delivery.
Please label each sample with your name and the date.
How It's Used
"She labeled all the boxes with their contents."
"The researcher labeled each specimen for identification."
To categorize or classify someone or something using a term, often in a way that is simplified or potentially unfair.
/ˈleɪbl/
To categorize or classify someone or something.
The report labeled the company as a major polluter.
💡 Simply: To label someone is to put them in a box based on a characteristic. For example, saying someone is a 'nerd' is a label. It might be a shortcut to describe them, but it's often not very fair.
👶 For kids: To label someone means to give them a name that describes what they are like.
More Examples
It's important not to label people based on stereotypes.
The media often labels politicians as liberal or conservative.
How It's Used
"The media often labels people based on their political beliefs."
"The therapist cautioned against labeling patients with a specific diagnosis prematurely."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
label someone as something
To categorize or describe someone using a particular term or characteristic.
"The media often labels him as a radical."
under the label
With a specific name, category, or classification.
"This product is sold under the label 'organic'."
From Middle English *labelle*, from Old French *label* ("slip of paper").
The word label has been used since the 14th century, originating from the Old French 'label' to denote a strip or slip of paper.
Memory tip
Imagine a sticker on a package giving you all the details.
Word Origin
"slip of paper"