Zeugma
noun
A figure of speech in which a single phrase or word is connected with two others, but is used differently and creates a different sense with each connection.
She stole his heart and his car - in this sentence, 'stole' is an example of zeugma.
Often appears as...
- zeugma in poetry
- zeugma in literature
Usage tips
Literary
noun
In grammar, it is the use of a word to refer to two different things in such a way that the word's meaning applies to both in different ways.
John lost his coat and his temper.
Often appears as...
- zeugma in sentence
- grammatical zeugma
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A figure of speech in which a single phrase or word is connected with two others, but is used differently and creates a different sense with each connection.
She stole his heart and his car - in this sentence, 'stole' is an example of zeugma.
Often appears as...
- zeugma in poetry
- zeugma in literature
Usage tips
Literary
noun
In grammar, it is the use of a word to refer to two different things in such a way that the word's meaning applies to both in different ways.
John lost his coat and his temper.
Often appears as...
- zeugma in sentence
- grammatical zeugma
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Device
Zeugma often appears in literature to convey cleverness or humor through unexpected word pairings.
He bolted the door and his breakfast.
Pro Tip 2/3Understanding Context
In zeugma, context is key; the meaning changes based on how the shared word relates to other words.
She opened her door and her heart to the orphans.
Pro Tip 3/3Recognizing Zeugma
Spot zeugmas by looking for a single word governing multiple objects in a way that alters its meaning with each.
He caught the train and a cold.
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Device
Zeugma often appears in literature to convey cleverness or humor through unexpected word pairings.
He bolted the door and his breakfast.
Pro Tip 2/3Understanding Context
In zeugma, context is key; the meaning changes based on how the shared word relates to other words.
She opened her door and her heart to the orphans.
Pro Tip 3/3Recognizing Zeugma
Spot zeugmas by looking for a single word governing multiple objects in a way that alters its meaning with each.
He caught the train and a cold.
Pro Tip 1/3Literary Device
Zeugma often appears in literature to convey cleverness or humor through unexpected word pairings.
He bolted the door and his breakfast.
Pro Tip 2/3Understanding Context
In zeugma, context is key; the meaning changes based on how the shared word relates to other words.
She opened her door and her heart to the orphans.
Pro Tip 3/3Recognizing Zeugma
Spot zeugmas by looking for a single word governing multiple objects in a way that alters its meaning with each.
He caught the train and a cold.
Never forget "Zeugma"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension