What Is It Called in English? How to Describe Things You Don't Know the Name For

Even fluent English speakers occasionally forget or come across an object, action, or concept they do not know the exact word for. Whether you are trying to identify a specific kitchen utensil, a specialized tool, or a subtle emotion, getting stuck mid-sentence can interrupt your conversation.

In linguistics, the technique of describing a word when you do not know its exact name is called circumlocution. Mastering circumlocution allows you to communicate smoothly without stopping or switching back to your native language.

This guide provides practical sentence formulas, categorization frameworks, and real-world examples to help you describe anything in English confidently.

Note: This guide expands upon the language strategies discussed in the English Forward ‘What Is It Called in English?’ Q&A Forum.

1. The 5 Core Frameworks for Describing Unknown Words

When you don’t know the exact English noun, break down the object using these 5 descriptive categories:

Framework 1: Function & Use (What does it do?)

Describe the primary purpose of the object or action.

Formula: “It’s a thing/tool that you use to [verb]…” or “It’s used for [verb + -ing]…”
Example: “What do you call the thing you use to peel potatoes?” $\rightarrow$ A potato peeler

Framework 2: Material & Composition (What is it made of?)

Describe the physical materials or texture.

Formula: “It’s made of [wood / metal / plastic / fabric]…” or “It has a [rough / smooth / soft] texture.”
Example: “It’s a small plastic gadget used to plug into the wall.” $\rightarrow$ An adapter / wall charger

Framework 3: Physical Appearance & Shape (What does it look like?)

Describe the color, dimensions, or relative size compared to familiar items.

Formula: “It looks like a [familiar object], but smaller/larger…” or “It’s [round / square / cylindrical] in shape.”
Example: “It looks like a small metal ring with keys on it.” $\rightarrow$ A key ring / keychain

Framework 4: Location & Context (Where do you find it?)

Specify the environment where the item is typically located.

Formula: “You usually see it in a [kitchen / office / car / hospital]…”
Example: “It’s the long desk in a hotel lobby where you check in.” $\rightarrow$ The reception desk / front desk

Framework 5: Category & Synonyms (What type of thing is it?)

Start broad with the general category, then narrow down.

Formula: “It’s a type of [furniture / footwear / document] that…”
Example: “It’s a type of formal document you write to request time off.” $\rightarrow$ A leave application letter

2. Useful Conversation Starters & Sentence Starters

Here are quick phrases you can use in natural conversation when asking native speakers for a word:

“What’s the word for…?”
“How do you say [concept/description] in English?”
“It’s on the tip of my tongue—what do you call that thing that…?”
“What do you call the person who…?”

3. Real-World Circumlocution Examples

What You Want to Identify	How to Describe It Using Circumlocution	The Actual English Word
Punctuation	“The little mark you put above a letter to show possession.”	Apostrophe
Kitchenware	“The round metal pan with holes used to drain pasta.”	Colander / Strainer
Relationships	“What do you call your mother’s cousin in English?”	First cousin once removed
Workplace	“The paper from your doctor explaining why you missed work.”	Medical certificate / Sick note

Related Cluster Guides & Next Steps

Building a strong descriptive vocabulary makes navigating English simple and intuitive. Explore our related guides:

Family Relationships: Learn all the exact English kinship terms in Complete Guide to English Family Tree Terms .
Paternal Relatives: Find out how to describe your father’s older and younger brothers in Father’s Elder & Younger Brother Terms .
Spelling Mastery: Learn why “amateur” is frequently misspelled in Amateur vs. Amature Spelling Guide .
Master Guide: Return to our main hub on Essential English Vocabulary, Relationship Terms & Personal Writing .

Stuck Describing a Specific Word?

If you have an object or idea you can’t name, describe it on the original English Forward ‘What Is It Called in English?’ Forum Thread to get direct answers from native English teachers and language experts.