Label Word Meaning

Middle English (denoting a narrow strip): from Old French, ‘ribbon’, probably of Germanic origin and related to lap

a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it

piece of paper etc. attached to object

• the alcohol content is clearly stated on the label
• price labels

a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing, especially one that is inaccurate or restrictive

classifying phrase or name

• the label ‘salsa’ seems especially meaningless when applied to musicians like Tito Puente

a narrow horizontal strip, typically with three downward projections, that is superimposed on a coat of arms by an eldest son during the life of his father.

horizontal strip on coat of arms

dripstone

attach a label to (something)

attach label to

• she labelled the parcels neatly, writing the addresses in capital letters

assign to a category, especially inaccurately or restrictively

assign to category

• many pupils felt that they were labelled as failures
• the critics labelled him a loser