appellative n identifying word or words by which someone or something is called and classified or distinguished from others a pertaining to or dealing with or used as a common noun s inclined to or serving for the giving of names the appellative faculty of children the appellative function of some primitive rites Usage(s) The name comes from the appellative that was usually applied to Wilhemina ("Mina") Drucker, a Dutch 19th century suffragette. Synonym(s) appellation denomination designation naming