name-plate

A brass name-plate is mounted beside the office door.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Identification sign: A "name-plate" is a small sign or plate, typically made of metal, wood, or plastic, that displays a person's name, especially one fixed to a door, desk, or building to identify the occupant or owner.
   • Manufacturer's tag: In technical contexts, a "name-plate" refers to a plate attached to machinery or equipment that bears the manufacturer's name, model number, and other identifying details.

Usage Examples

• Identification sign:

  • The doctor's name-plate on the office door read "Dr. Emily Carter." (A small sign showing the name of the person inside the room.)
  • He polished the brass name-plate on his desk until it shone. (A plate on a desk identifying the person who sits there.)

• Manufacturer's tag:

  • The name-plate on the engine listed the serial number and production date. (A technical tag on equipment providing manufacturing information.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have one's name-plate up": to have one's name officially displayed, often indicating a professional status or occupancy.

  • After passing the bar exam, she finally had her name-plate up outside her office. (She had her name displayed, showing she had established her practice.)

• "name-plate recognition": the awareness of a person's identity based solely on their displayed name.

  • The new employee had no name-plate recognition among the staff. (Colleagues did not know who he was by seeing his name alone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nameplate (n): a variant spelling, often used interchangeably with "name-plate."

  • The company's nameplate was mounted on the front of the building. (A sign displaying the company's name.)

• Name-plated (adj): having a name-plate attached.

  • The name-plated office furniture was custom-ordered. (Furniture with name-plates fixed to it.)

Synonyms

• Identification tag: a small label or tag that shows a person's or object's name.
• Sign: a board or plate displaying information, such as a name.

Related Idioms

• Put one's name on the door: to establish oneself professionally or to claim ownership.

  • After years of hard work, he finally put his name on the door. (He had his own office or business with his name displayed.)

• Read the name-plate: to take notice of someone's identity or authority.

  • Before entering, make sure you read the name-plate to know who you are dealing with. (Check the displayed name to understand the person's role.)