noun
- A name for a place or person used by speakers of one language that differs from the name used by native speakers of that place or by the person themselves.
Usage: Plural of exonym; Common in geography and linguistics; Contrasts with endonym (the local name)
Examples
- English speakers use the exonym 'Germany' for the country that Germans call 'Deutschland.'
- The exonym 'Florence' refers to the Italian city known locally as 'Firenze.'
- Many exonyms for Asian cities reflect historical colonial pronunciations.
- Linguists study exonyms to understand how different cultures name the same places.
- The exonym 'Bangkok' is used in English, while Thai speakers call it 'Krung Thep.'
- Some exonyms have fallen out of use as countries have reclaimed their original names.