Vocabulary Worksheet · Grades 5–7
Eponyms Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 5-7 on eponyms: everyday words that come from a person’s name, like sandwich and braille. Students sort eight words as eponyms or ordinary words, then explain how the story behind a word helps. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Vocabulary
Grades
Grades 5–7
Skill Focus
Eponyms, word origins
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
An eponym is a word that comes from a person’s name. Over time a person’s name can become an everyday word for something they made, did, or were known for. Knowing a word is an eponym can help students remember its story and its meaning – sandwich, boycott, and braille all carry a real person’s name.
Section A on page 1 gives eight words, each with its origin noted in parentheses, and asks students to decide whether the origin is a person’s name (an eponym) or an ordinary root. The reference box teaches the idea with the teddy bear and the diesel engine, which are not reused in any item.
Section B on page 2 asks students what an eponym is, why the person’s story helps, whose name the teddy bear comes from, and to name an eponym they know. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds toward word origins and etymology.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and tell the stories behind teddy bear and diesel.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘is there a person’s name behind this word?’
Work Section B item 11 together: define an eponym in students’ own words.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check; Section B item 12 answers will vary.
Pair with the Word Origins Worksheet or the Borrowed Words Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Eponyms Worksheet
A printable vocabulary worksheet for grades 5-7 on eponyms: everyday words that come from a person’s name, like sandwich and braille. Students sort eight words as eponyms or ordinary words, then explain how the story behind a word helps. A complete answer key is included.
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