Definition: What is an acronym?

Acronym: A brand name formed from the initial letters (or groups of letters) of a longer name or phrase and pronounced as a word

Often contrasted with

Initialism: A brand name formed from the initial letters of a longer name or phrase and pronounced letter by letter

 

Other definitions from around the web

“A word or name formed from the initial components of a longer name or phrase, usually using individual initial letters.” – Wikipedia

“Brand names formed from the initial letters (or parts) of a series of words.” – The Financial Brand

“A word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words and pronounced as a separate word.” – Dictionary.com

“An abbreviation of a descriptive name.” – Sticky Branding

 

Examples of acronym brand names

• ASICS
• Fiat
• GEICO
• Nabisco
• NASA
• Qantas

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