label

1 of 2

noun

la·​bel ˈlā-bəl How to pronounce label (audio)
1
a
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) inscribed and affixed to something for identification or description
The name is prominently displayed on the label.
b
: written or printed matter accompanying an article to furnish identification or other information
Read the warning label before taking any medicine.
c
: a descriptive or identifying word or phrase: such as
(1)
: epithet
acquired the label of "playboy"
(2)
: a word or phrase used with a dictionary definition to provide additional information
The label obsolete is abbreviated obs.
d
: a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling
2
a(1)
: a brand of commercial recordings issued under a usually trademarked name
(2)
: a company issuing such recordings
The band has made records for several different labels.
(3)
: a recording so issued
b
: the brand name of a retail store selling clothing, a clothing manufacturer, or a fashion designer
She only buys clothes with a designer label.
3
: an adhesive stamp (as for postage or revenue)
4
: a heraldic charge that consists of a narrow horizontal band with usually three pendants
5
archaic : band, fillet
specifically : one attached to a document to hold an appended seal

label

2 of 2

verb

labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce label (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to affix a label to
labeled the switches so as not to confuse them
b
: to describe or designate with or as if with a label
labels his photos with the date and place they were taken
2
a
: to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope (see isotope sense 1) distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity)
b
: to distinguish (something, such as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (such as a dye or labeled atom)
labelable adjective
labeler noun

Examples of label in a Sentence

Noun The name is prominently displayed on the label. You should read the warning label before you take any medicine. The word was given the label “obsolete.” Some people describe him as “selfish,” but he doesn't deserve that label. Once you give people labels, it's hard to see them as individuals. The band has made records for several different labels in their career. Verb Be sure to carefully label the switches so that you don't confuse them. He labels his photographs with the date and place they were taken.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
If the sap is fresh, wait 15 minutes after diluting and spreading the cleaner as the label advises; if the sap is more than a few days old, wait longer, Ramirez said. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 In front of the paparazzi, Jenner played it cool, making sure to flash the Sprinter label on her can while walking from her SUV to the party door. Sam Reed, Glamour, 22 Mar. 2024 Warner Music South East Europe acquired a minority stake in Slovenian independent label NIKA. Chris Eggertsen, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2024 Perhaps the column after that denotes if a shipping label has been printed. PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024 If you’re signed to a label, then imagine that numbers cut at least 50 percent. A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Savvier fences thoroughly clean the goods by removing labels, scratching out serial numbers and changing expiration dates. Jeannette Neumann, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 The Poor Things star accessorized with a 30-carat yellow diamond necklace from the French label’s High Jewelry collection. Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Murphy and Forde looked to the Italian label’s archives for inspiration, and landed on creating a black tweed suit with lapels. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2024
Verb
If all goes well with the agreement, Truth Social can start trading on Monday labeled DJT – Trump’s initials. USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024 Use a deck cleaner that’s labeled as safe on PVC, said Jeronimo Ramirez, who sells TimberTech’s Azek PVC and capped composite decking through Advantage Lumber. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 The next time law enforcement resources are needlessly wasted in this manner, the offender will be forever labeled a felon. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 However, my friends and family will no doubt label me a gold digger. Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2024 But wealthy citizens are increasingly considering a life across the Atlantic, with an unappealing showdown between Joe Biden and Donald Trump being labeled as the reason. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 20 Mar. 2024 On top of all the infighting, Democrats have spent over $3 million on efforts labeling Moreno as too conservative and close to Trump -- a strategy viewed as backhandedly trying to boost him with Ohio's conservative and pro-Trump primary electorate. Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2024 Still, that hasn’t stopped commenters, pundits, and politicians from trying to label TikTok as one thing or the other. Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2024 Use insecticides with care: In severe infestations, insecticides labeled for crane fly control can be used. The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'label.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French labelle

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Verb

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of label was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near label

Cite this Entry

“Label.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/label. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

label

1 of 2 noun
la·​bel ˈlā-bəl How to pronounce label (audio)
1
: a slip (as of paper or cloth) that is attached to something to identify or describe it
2
a
: a descriptive or identifying word or phrase
b
: the brand name of a commercial product

label

2 of 2 verb
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce label (audio)
1
: to attach a label to
2
: to name or describe with or as if with a label
3
: to make (as an element, compound, or cell) traceable by inclusion of a detectable part (as a radioactive isotope or a dye)

Medical Definition

label

1 of 2 noun
la·​bel ˈlā-bəl How to pronounce label (audio)
: a usually radioactive isotope used in labeling

label

2 of 2 transitive verb
labeled or labelled; labeling or labelling ˈlā-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce label (audio)
1
: to distinguish (an element or atom) by using an isotope distinctive in some manner (as in mass or radioactivity) for tracing through chemical reactions or biological processes
2
: to distinguish (as a compound or cell) by introducing a traceable constituent (as a dye or labeled atom)

More from Merriam-Webster on label

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!