Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Synecdoche

Definition: 

A synecdoche is a figure of speech in which the one of the following (or its reverse) is expressed:

  • A part stands for a whole
  • An individual stands for a class
  • A material stands for a thing
Examples: 
  • A part stands for a whole
  • An individual stands for a class
  • A material stands for a thing