Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
endonym
noun
/ˈɛn.də.nɪm/
Definition
An endonym is a name for a place or a people that is used by the inhabitants themselves.
Examples
- The name ‘Deutschland’ is an endonym for Germany.
- ‘Nihon’ is the endonym for Japan used by its citizens.
Meaning
In contrast to an exonym, which is a name used by outsiders, an endonym is what locals call their own geographic location or ethnic group.
Synonyms
- Local name
- Indigenous name
- Self-designation
