household name

USAGE SUMMARY

"household name" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a person, organization, or product that is widely recognized, especially within the same country. For example, "McDonald's is a household name in the fast food industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Still, he is not a household name.

The New Yorker

It is hardly a household name.

The New York Times

They have made her a household name.

The New Yorker

None is a crowd-pulling household name.

The New York Times

And, she is hoping, a household name.

The New York Times

CONNAUGHT is not a household name.

The Economist

Dr. Seuss is now a household name.

Independent

INEOS is not yet a household name.

The Economist

Yet he is scarcely a household name.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kohler is a household name pun intended.

Forbes

Margaret was a household name.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "household name" when you want to emphasize that something is very well-known and recognized by the general public. It implies a level of familiarity that extends into people's homes and everyday lives.

Common error

Avoid using "household name" if the person, brand, or product is only known within a niche market or a specific region. The phrase implies widespread, national (or even international) recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "household name" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to identify something as extremely well-known to the general public.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "household name" is a common descriptor used to denote a person, brand, or product that is widely recognized by the general public. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the term carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various communications. While alternatives like "widely known" or "familiar figure" exist, "household name" distinctly implies a level of recognition that extends into everyday life. It's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the subject genuinely enjoys broad, national or international fame, as opposed to mere recognition within a niche market.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely known

Focuses on the breadth of awareness without necessarily implying ubiquity in homes.

familiar figure

Specifically refers to a person who is easily recognized.

well-recognized brand

Highlights brand awareness and recognition, especially in the business context.

famous identity

Emphasizes fame and the establishment of a distinct public persona.

established presence

Focuses on the creation of an established and enduring presence, usually in a specific field.

globally recognized

Implies recognition on an international scale, not just within a household or country.

cultural icon

Indicates a figure or brand that has significant cultural importance and is widely recognized.

publicly known

Highlights the open and accessible nature of the information or entity.

universally acknowledged

Stresses that the recognition is nearly unanimous among people.

popular figure

Focuses on the popularity of the person.

FAQs

How can I use "household name" in a sentence?

You can use "household name" to describe a brand, person, or thing that is very well known. For example, "Coca-Cola is a "household name" in the beverage industry".

What is another way to say "household name"?

Alternatives to "household name" include "widely known", "familiar figure", or "well-recognized brand", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone is becoming a "household name"?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is becoming a "household name". It suggests that they are increasing in popularity and recognition among the general public.

What's the difference between being "well-known" and being a "household name"?

While both terms suggest familiarity, "household name" implies a deeper, more widespread level of recognition that extends into the everyday lives of most people. "Well-known" might simply mean known within a particular field or community.