1 an adjective or phrase that is used to describe sb/sth's character or most important quality, especially in order to say sth good or bad about sb/sth （描绘人或事物性格特征的）表述词语: The novel is neither old enough nor good enough to deserve the epithet ‘classic’. 这本小说既不久远，又不出色，因此还称不上是“经典作品”。

2 (especially US 尤为美) an insulting word or phrase that is used about a person or group of people 带侮辱性的词语: Racial epithets were written all over the wall. 墙上写满了种族歧视的词语。