Definition

A type of sentence structure where one word or phrase connects to two or more other words or phrases, but it only fits grammatically with one of them, creating a unique meaning.

Example

In the sentence 'She opened the door and her heart to the homeless boy', the word 'opened' is an example of zeugma.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term zeugma?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's when one word applies to two others in different ways, like in a funny sentence.

That sounds interesting! I love clever language tricks.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Zeugma comes from the Greek word "zeugma" (meaning a yoke or a bond). It refers to a figure of speech in which a word applies to multiple parts of the sentence, creating a bond between them.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'yoke' that connects two things together — that's what zeugma does with words in a sentence.

Visually Confused Words