1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Fiction Writing

synecdoche

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Synecdoche is a kind of figurative language in which a part stands for the whole, or vice versa.
Common Misspellings: synechdoche
Examples:
Saying the "White House," to mean the U.S. government, is an example of synecdoche.

For more examples of synecdoche and to test your knowledge of other figures of speech, take the figurative language quiz.

Explore Fiction Writing
About.com Special Features

The Best Job Search Websites

A list of the best places on the web to find job listings and job search help. More >

How to Write a Cover Letter

Looking for a new job? Use these tips and put your best foot forward. More >

  1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Fiction Writing
  4. Craft & Technique
  5. Glossary of Literary Terms
  6. Synecdoche -- Definition of Synecdoche for Creative Writers >

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.