What is a word for something that someone is particularly known for. e.g. a song that a singer always is asked to sing
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As soon as I posted my question I thought of a possible answer: "signature song"– janeOct 3, 2014 at 17:48
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We've also chef-d'oeuvre which essentially has been appropriated into English to mean masterpiece but is not confined to music or even the arts, & can be used to describe Einstein's Mass-Energy Equivalence just as easily as can it be used to describe Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.– miercolediOct 3, 2014 at 17:54
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It's not a single word, but probably the most widely used phrase in that context is 'claim to fame'.– bruised reedOct 4, 2014 at 10:00
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4 Answers
Signature is the answer. Both as a count noun and an adjective.
[count noun] something (such as a quality or feature) that is closely associated with someone or something — usually singular
Her latest movie includes the humor and fast pace that have become her signature.
[adjective] closely associated with someone or something : making a person or thing easy to recognize
the chef's signature dish
“Respect” is her signature song/tune.
The director's new movie is a return to his signature style.
Trademark: A distinctive characteristic by which a person or thing comes to be known.
E.g. (Lifted from @ermanen)...
...1-Her latest movie includes the humor and fast pace that have become her trademark.
2-The shuffle and snicker that became the comedian's trademark.
*Though "signature" would be the first thought for something that someone is particularly known for.*
For your particular example, I think the term "magnum opus" is appropriate. According to Merriam-Webster the definition of magnum opus is as follows.
magnum opus - noun - a great work; especially : the greatest achievement of an artist or writer.
answered Oct 3, 2014 at 19:08
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I'd have difficulty calling a song of a few minutes a "magnum opus", however remarkable it might be. Oct 4, 2014 at 7:34
epitome
the typical or highest example of a stated quality, as shown by a particular person or thing: Even now in her sixties, she is the epitome of French elegance.
src: Cambridge online
Also the characteristic would be antonomasia
: the use of a proper name to designate a member of a class (as a Solomon for a wise ruler); also : the use of an epithet or title in place of a proper name (as the Bard for Shakespeare)
