An acronym is a specific type of abbreviation that forms a pronounceable word from the first letter or syllable of each word in a phrase. For example, AIDS is an acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Acronyms are often confused with initialisms, which are abbreviations that use the first letter of each word in the phrase and are pronounced as separate letters, such as FBI and CEO. However, the term "acronym" is often used to refer to both types of abbreviations.

Acronyms are commonly used to make communication more concise, especially in casual verbal communication. They are also used in more formal contexts, such as in industry terms and organizational names. However, it is important to only use acronyms that people recognize and understand. If there is a chance that users wont know the meaning of an acronym, it should be defined at first mention and the full term should be used.