name-dropping
noun
name-drop·ping
ˈnÄm-ËŒdrä-piÅ‹ 
: the studied but seemingly casual mention of prominent persons as associates done to impress others
Examples of name-dropping in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Posen’s name-dropping has a flowchart momentum, each acquaintance branching off into subsequent friendships, projects, parties.
—
Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026
Like Top Chef, America’s Culinary Cup also features a group of chefs who are at the top of the industry — expect lots of James Beard name-dropping — cooking dishes in a short amount of time.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
At times, readers may tire of Le Tellier’s frequent cultural references and name-dropping, which are sprinkled throughout the short chapters.
—Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2025
Epstein’s pidgin writing style, paired with his name-dropping and vagueness, makes emails like this excellent fodder for both speculation and genuine concern.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2025
The recipe has even made its way into celebrity circles, with Keke Palmer name-dropping the TikTok star in a recent interview.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Include these mutual connections in your narrative as a tasteful, appropriate form of name-dropping.
—Jerry Weissman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Casually name-dropping Alan Cumming on a nature hike, Regina Hall?
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 May 2025
Her book includes some dishy name-dropping too, from Tom Cruise to Marilyn Monroe.
—Liz McNeil, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026
Like Top Chef, America’s Culinary Cup also features a group of chefs who are at the top of the industry — expect lots of James Beard name-dropping — cooking dishes in a short amount of time.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
At times, readers may tire of Le Tellier’s frequent cultural references and name-dropping, which are sprinkled throughout the short chapters.
—Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2025
Epstein’s pidgin writing style, paired with his name-dropping and vagueness, makes emails like this excellent fodder for both speculation and genuine concern.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Nov. 2025
The recipe has even made its way into celebrity circles, with Keke Palmer name-dropping the TikTok star in a recent interview.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Include these mutual connections in your narrative as a tasteful, appropriate form of name-dropping.
—Jerry Weissman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Casually name-dropping Alan Cumming on a nature hike, Regina Hall?
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 May 2025
Her book includes some dishy name-dropping too, from Tom Cruise to Marilyn Monroe.
—Liz McNeil, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Name-dropping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/name-dropping. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
