1. relating to or serving as a name or designation
Usage: formal

1. a common noun or name used to designate a person or thing
Usage: formal; linguistics

Examples

• The word ‘doctor’ has an appellative function when used as a title.
• In linguistics, ‘teacher’ is an appellative noun.
• The appellative nature of the term made it suitable for classification.
• Common nouns serve an appellative purpose in language.
• The appellative ‘Your Honor’ is used to address judges.
• Proper names differ from appellatives in their specific reference.