Meanings
nounimproper noun (plural improper nouns)
plural improper nouns
- grammarA noun that describes something general, rather than that which is purely unique.
Synonyms: appellative noun, common noun, nomen appellativum
Synonyms & antonyms
nounA noun that describes something general, rather than that which is purely unique.
Opposite
Cite this entry
APA
improper noun. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/improper%20noun
MLA
“improper noun.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/improper%20noun. Accessed November 4, 2026.
Chicago
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “improper noun,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/improper%20noun.
Source: improper noun on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.