label
UK: ˈleɪbəl | US: ˈleɪbəl
n. a small piece of paper, fabric, or other material attached to an object to identify or describe it
vt. to attach a label to something
vt. to assign a category or description to someone or something
The word "label" traces back to Old French labele or label, meaning "ribbon, fringe, or strip," derived from Latin labellum ("small lip"), a diminutive of labrum ("lip"). The connection between "lip" and "label" lies in the idea of a hanging or projecting strip (like a lip) used for identification. Over time, the meaning shifted from a physical strip to a descriptive tag.
She carefully read the label on the medicine bottle.
The artist decided to label each painting with its title and year.
The file was labeled "Confidential" in red ink.
Critics often label his music as experimental.
The suitcase had a torn label with a faded address.