WordGarden.ionameplate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈeɪmpleɪt/
US
- /ˈneɪmˌpleɪt/
Meanings
Noun
a plaque or plate that shows a person's or organization's name on a door, desk, or display
a fixed plate on a machine or device that gives the maker's name, model, or technical ratings
the model or brand name under which a vehicle line is marketed
Beyond the definition
A nameplate is a small sign or plaque that shows the name of a person, place, or thing. You might see one on an office door, a desk, a ship, or the front of a building. Some are plain and practical, while others are made to look formal or elegant. In every case, its job is simple: to clearly show what or who something is.
A nameplate is a small plaque, sign, or plate used to show the name of a person, place, company, or object. People often think first of the one on an office door or on a desk, but the idea reaches further than that.
Traditionally, nameplates were often made of brass or other metal, which gave them a solid, official feel. Today they may be made of plastic, acrylic, wood, steel, or glass, depending on where they are used. You can find them on doors, desks, walls, boats, storefronts, memorials, and display items. In some cases, a person may even wear one as part of a badge at work or at an event.
The setting shapes the style. A simple plastic one may be enough for a school office or a work cubicle, while an engraved brass one may suit a lawyer's door, a trophy, or a public building. Some show only a name, while others also include a title, a company logo, or a short role description.
So whether it marks who sits in a room, names a business, or adds a formal touch to an award, a nameplate is a small but useful way to identify something clearly and neatly.
Examples
- 1
Door sign
A small brass nameplate on the door said "Dr. Elena Morris."
- 2
Office doors
The office doors all had matching nameplates.
- 3
Equipment information
Check the machine's nameplate before you order a replacement part.
- 4
Publishing
The newspaper changed its nameplate but kept the same editors.
- Domain
in publishing, a nameplate is the title design at the top of a newspaper or magazine
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Car models
The company brought back an old nameplate for its new electric car.
- Domain
in cars, a nameplate can mean a brand or model name
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- doorplate
- identification plate
Contrast
- number plate
Used with (collocations)
- engraved nameplate
- brass nameplate
- nameplate on the door
- manufacturer's nameplate
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nameplatenoun