label Hear it!

label Definition

la·bel (lā′bəl)

noun

  1. Archaic
    1. a narrow band of cloth, etc.; fillet
    2. a narrow strip of ribbon attached to a document to hold the seal
  2. a card, strip of paper, etc. marked and attached to an object to indicate its nature, contents, ownership, destination, etc.
  3. a descriptive word or phrase applied to a person, group, theory, etc. as a convenient generalized classification
  4. ☆ an identifying brand, as of a company producing recorded music
    1. a company producing and distributing prerecorded discs, tapes, etc.
    2. such a tape, disc, etc.
  6. tracer ()
  7. Archit. a projecting molding over a door, window, etc.
  8. Heraldry a horizontal bar with several dependent points on the coat of arms of an eldest son

Etymology: OFr, a rag, strip < Frank *labba, akin to OHG lappa, a rag, shred: for IE base see lap

transitive verb -·beled or -·belled, -·bel·ing or -·bel·ling

  1. to attach a label to; mark with a label
  2. to classify as; call; describe
    1. to differentiate (an element, atom, etc.) by introducing a radioactive isotope or an isotope of unusual mass that may be readily traced through a complex process
    2. to incorporate a labeled element into (a molecule, compound, material, etc.)

label Related Forms
la′·beler noun or la′·bel·ler
label Synonyms

label

n.

tag, marker, ticket, mark, stamp, hallmark, insignia, design, number, identification, description, classification, copyright label, characterization, epithet, sticker, bumper sticker, price mark; see also emblem, name 1, trademark.

label Synonyms

label

v.

specify, mark, identify; see designate 1, name 1, 2.

label Telecom Definition
  1. A set of data attached to and providing identification or other information relative to a larger data unit, such as a packet or message. See also packet and message.
  2. In Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), the set of data attached to a packet and used by a Label Switched Router (LSR) to select a link across which to forward that packet. The initial packet is inserted by a Label Edge Router (LER). Each LER along the path swaps the label associated with the incoming packet for a new label associated with the outgoing packet to be used by the adjacent downstream router in making the next link selection. See also downstream, LER, link, LSR, MPLS, packet, and router.
label Usage Examples

Object

  • diagram: Identify beef cuts on a labeled diagram of a steer's body.

Converse of object

  • attach: Their contact details will be on the Red and White Charge label attached to the parcel, along with the Charge Number.
  • stick: The assembly service is the price for sticking 1 label onto a cassette, or putting 1 cassette into a box.

Preposition: onto

  • cassette: The assembly service is the price for sticking 1 label onto a cassette, or putting 1 cassette into a box.

Adjective modifier

  • sticky: When someone pays their entry fee they get a sticky label and we write their name on it.
  • independent: A label overview: From humble beginnings over thirty years ago to what is now America's premier independent record label.
  • major: All the good singers get stolen by pop music and major labels; luckily we¹ve managed to keep Dani on our side.
  • printed: Each Business Card CD is supplied complete with plastic wallet, and printed color label.
  • white: The shelfmark will also appear on a white spine label on each box unless not required.

Preposition: on

  • spine: Late C19th green leather over dark green cloth; raised bands, gilt tooling, red leather title label on spine.

Modifies a noun

  • boss: The label bosses openly admitted that they were taking all the Royalties and Profits and simply paid the artists a small weekly wage.
  • mate: And in the incestuous nature of all our bands they've picked a label mate.
  • printer: Citizen launch its latest compact barcode label printer which prints at up to 4 ips.
  • printing: A small Eltron Companion printer was sent to Gpass to investigate label printing by this method.

Noun used with modifier

  • indie: Do you despair at the lack of true indie labels in the UK at the moment?
  • record: I've started a record label... called ' Voodoo Eros ' .
  • designer: Shopping offers an endless choice from lively markets to designer label shops.
  • axis: Various properties of the label may be set in the popup just below labeled Axis label props... .
  • barcode: Citizen launch its latest compact barcode label printer which prints at up to 4 ips.
  • luggage: Later we stand together in front of a battered leather suitcase, filled with small luggage labels.
label Quotes

Science and technology, like all original creations of the human spirit, are unpredictable. If we had a reliable way to label our toys good and bad, it would be easy to regulate technology wisely. But we can rarely see far enough ahead to know which road leads to damnation. Whoever concerns himself with big technology, either topushitforwardor tostop it, isgambling inhumanlives.

—Dyson, FreemanJ(ohn)

   Most of my colleagues were -ists of one sort or another; and however kind and friendly they might be, I, the man without a rag of a label to cover himself with, could not fail to have some of theuneasy feelings which must have beset the historical fox when, after leaving the trap in which his tail remained, he presented himself to his normally elongated companions. So I took thought, and invented what I conceived to be the appropriate title of 'agnostic'.

—Huxley,T(homas) H(enry)