Word of the Day

Paragon

16 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Paragon is a noun that means a model of excellence.  The Greek word parakanon (pahr AHK uh non) means to sharpen. It later came to refer to a sto...

Waggish

15 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Waggish is an adjective that means playful or mischievous.  Waggish comes to us from Old English. A Wagghalter is a now obsolete English word fro...

Aphorism

14 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Aphorism is a noun that means a short observation that contains a general truth.  Our word of the day comes to us directly from Ancient Greek. It...

Pontificate

13 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pontificate is a verb that means to express one's opinion in a pompous way.  Our word of the day comes to us from the Catholic Church through the...

Fabulist

12 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Fabulist is a noun that means a person who invents elaborate and dishonest stories.  Fabulist has its roots in the word fable, which comes to us ...

Abience

11 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Abience is a noun that means a strong urge to avoid something.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word abeo (AH bay oh) which means ‘to ...

Philocaly

10 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Philocaly is a noun that means a love of beauty.  You may know from other words of Greek origin like philosophy and philomath that philocaly’s ...

Sough

09 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Sough is a verb that means to rustle, moan or sigh.  Sough comes to us from Middle English. It looks and sounds a lot like the word ‘sigh,’ b...

Galere

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Galere is a noun that means a group of undesirables.  Galere comes from French, and you may be able to guess from the word’s spelling that it s...

Friable

07 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Friable is an adjective that means easily broken or crumbled.  Friable comes for the Latin word friabilis (free AH bee lees) meaning ‘crumble.’...

Wifty

06 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wifty is an adjective that means light-headed or scatterbrained.  It’s appropriate that our word of the day is a synonym of unclear. But its li...

Alate

05 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Alate is an adjective that means having wings. The Latin word Alatus (AH lah toos) is where our word of the day comes from. It’s mainly used to refe...

Skeuomorph

04 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Skeuomorph is a noun that means a digital object or feature that imitates a physical object. Our word of the day has its roots in Greek. It’s a comb...

Métier

03 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Métier is a noun that refers to an activity one is good at. As you might guess, metier (MAY tee ay) comes directly from the French. It may refer to a...

Acolyte

02 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Acolyte is a noun that means one who assists.  Acolyte originated from the Greek work akolouthos (ah KOE loo thos) but it was the Catholic Church...

Remuneration

01 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Remuneration is a noun that means payment for a service or work.  Our word of the day takes root in the Latin word remunera (ray MOON ay ruh) whi...

Nexus

31 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nexus is a noun that means a connection or link between two things.  Our word of the day comes directly from Latin. Its pronunciation has changed...

Melee

30 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Melee is a noun that means a confused fight or struggle.  Melee comes from the Latin word misceo (mish AY oh) which means a mix or a blend or var...

Jaunty

29 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Jaunty is an adjective that means having a lively and self-confident manner.  The French word gentil (ZHAN tee) means kind. From there we get jau...

Carceral

28 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Carceral is an adjective that means related to prison.  Our word of the day may remind you of incarcerate — and for good reason. They both came...

Peripeteia

27 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Peripeteia (PAIR uh puh tay uh)  is a noun that refers to a sudden reversal of fortune.  Our word of the day comes directly from the Greeks....

Mettlesome

26 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Mettlesome is an adjective that means full of vigor and stamina.  The root of our word of the day is mettle M-E-T-T-L-E.  a 16th century, va...

Refection

25 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Refection is a noun that means refreshment by food or drink.  Our word of the day began as the Latin word for ‘renew.’ Reficiere (REF ee chee...

Roborant

24 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Roborant is an adjective that means having a strengthening or restorative effect.  The latin word roboros (ro BORE ohs) means “I strengthen.”...

Pugnacious

23 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Pugnacious is an adjective that means likely to fight or quarrel.  Pugno (POON yo) is the Latin word for ‘fight.’ It’s where we get words l...

Rectitude

22 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Rectitude is a noun that means morally correct behavior or thinking. The Latin word rectus (RECK toos) means straight or direct. From this we get our ...

Parry

21 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Parry is a a verb that means to ward off or evade.  Our word of the day comes from Latin. The word parare (puh RAH ray) means ‘to ward off or d...

Hagridden

20 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Hagridden is an adjective that means tormented by anxiety or stress.  From Old Norse, the word hexe (HECKS uh) means witch. It’s also a distant...

Anodyne

19 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Anodyne is a noun that means something that relieves distress or pain.  The Greek word adodunos (ah no DOO noss) meaning ‘free from pain’ mor...

Paramnesia

18 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Paramnesia is a noun that means a confusion of fact and fantasy.  Paramnesia is a combination of a Greek word you’re probably already familiar ...

Mondegreen

17 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

"Alexa, open Volley FM" Today’s word of the day is mondegreen. It’s spelled M-O-N-D-E-G-R-E-E-N.  Mondegreen is a noun that means a misheard...

Comportment

16 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

"Alexa, open Volley FM" Today’s word of the day is comportment, C-O-M-P-O-R-T-M-E-N-T. Comportment is a noun that means carriage or bearing. Our w...

Treacle

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

"Alexa, open Volley FM" Today’s word of the day is treacle. It’s spelled T-R-E-A-C-L-E. Treacle is a noun that means sentimentality or flattery. ...

Valorous

14 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

"Alexa, open Volley FM" Today’s word of the day is valorous, V-A-L-O-R-O-U-S. Valorous is an adjective that means brave.  The Latin word valo...

Rutilant

13 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is rutilant (ROO ti lant)  R-U-T-I-L-A-N-T. Rutilant is an adjective than means glowing or glittering.  Rutilus (...

Polychromatic

12 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is polychromatic, P-O-L-Y-C-H-R-O-M-A-T-I-C. Polychromatic is an adjective that means multicolored.  The Greek word po...

Voluptuary

11 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is voluptuary, V-O-L-U-P-T-U-A-R-Y. Voluptuary is a noun that refers to a person devoted to a life of luxury and pleasure.&n...

Rococo

10 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is rococo, R-O-C-O-C-O. Rococo is an adjective that means ornate.  Coming from the Latin word roca (RO ca) meaning ‘s...

Estival

09 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is estival, E-S-T-I-V-A-L. Estival is an adjective that means belonging to or pertaining to summer.  Don’t be fooled...

Shivoo

08 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is shivoo (SHI voo) S-H-I-V-O-O. Shivoo is a noun that means a party or celebration.  Shivoo is an old 19th century wo...

Pliskie - #533

07 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is Pliskie, P-L-I-S-K-I-E. Pliskie is a noun that means a mischievous trick.  The origin of pliskie is unknown, but we ...

Fusty - #532

06 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is fusty, F-U-S-T-Y. Fusty is an adjective than means old-fashioned or out-of-date. Fusty comes from an Old French word Fus...

Dekko - #531

05 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is dekko, D-E-K-K-O. Dekko is a noun that means a quick look or glance.  Dekko has its origin in the Hindi word, Dekho...

Funambulism - #530

04 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is funambulism, F-U-N-A-M-B-U-L-I-S-M. Funambulism is a noun that means tightrope walking or a display of mental agility. Tig...

Supererogation - #529

03 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is supererogation. It's spelled S-U-P-E-R-E-R-O-G-A-T-I-O-N. Supererogation is a noun that means the act of performing more th...

Numinous - #528

02 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is numinous, N-U-M-I-N-O-U-S. Numinous is an adjective that means supernatural or mysterious. The Latin word numen (NOO men) ...

Vermicular - #527

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is vermicular. It's spelled V-E-R-M-I-C-U-L-A-R. Vermicular is an adjective that means resembling a worm. If you look closely...

Comity - #526

28 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is comity, C-O-M-I-T-Y. Comity is a noun that means Friendly civility. Coming from the Latin word Comitus (KAAM uh tus) meani...

Alterity - #525

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is alterity. It's spelled A-L-T-E-R-I-T-Y. Alterity is a noun that means otherness. The Latin word alter (AHL ter) means the ...

Sylvan - #524

26 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is sylvan, S-Y-L-V-A-N. Sylvan is an adjective that means located in the woods or Forrest. A sylvan creature is one that lurk...

Ululate - #523

25 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is ululate. It's spelled U-L-U-L-A-T-E. Ululate is a verb that means to howl or wail.  It's very likely that the sound o...

Pungle - #522

24 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is pungle. P-U-N-G-L-E. Pungle is a verb that means to make a payment or contribution of money. Derived from the Spanish wo...

Psephology - #521

23 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s Word of the day is Psephology. It’s spelled P-S-E-P-H-O-L -O-G-Y. Psephology ia a noun that means the scientific study of elections. ...

Supercilious - #520

22 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is supercilious, S-U-P-E-R-C-I-L-I-O-U-S. Supercilious is an adjective that means behaving as if one thinks one is superior to...

Uxorial - #519

21 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is uxorial. It's spelled U-X-O-R-I-A-L. Uxorial is an adjective that means related to the characteristics of a wife. The Lati...

Jocund - #518

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is jocund, J-O-C-U-N-D. Jocund is an adjective that means marked by high spirits. A good way to remember the meaning of jocun...

Manumit - #517

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day manumit. It's spelled M-A-N-U-M-I-T. Manumit is a verb that means to release from slavery. The origin of manumit comes from t...

Carrefour - #516

18 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is carrefour, C-A-R-R-E-F-O-U-R. Carrefour is a noun that refers to a crossroads or a plaza. The key to grasping carrefour's ...

Plenary - #515

17 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is plenary. It's spelled P-L-E-N-A-R-Y. Plenary is an adjective that means complete in every aspect. Derived from the Latin w...

Cupidity - #514

16 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is cupidity, C-U-P-I-D-I-T-Y. Cupidity is a noun that means an inordinate desire for wealth.  There's a good chance that...

Domiciliary - #513

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is domiciliary. It's spelled D-O-M-I-C-I-L-I-A-R-Y. Domiciliary  is an adjective that means related to or taking place in...

Aggrandize - #512

15 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is aggrandize, A-G-G-R-A-N-D-I-Z-E. Aggrandize  is a verb that means to enlarge. Recognizing the word 'grand' in aggrand...

Scintilla - #511

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is Scintilla. It's spelled S-C-I-N-T-I-L-L-A. Scintilla is a noun that means a brief spark. Scintilla is a direct descendant ...

Saporific - #510

12 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is saporific, S-A-P-O-R-I-F-I-C. Saporific is an adjective that means having the power to produce the sensation of taste. S...

Thrasonical - #509

11 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is thrasonical. It’s spelled T-H-R-A-S-O-N-I-C-A-L. Thrasonical is an adjective that means boastful or vainglorious. An A...

Transmogrify - #508

10 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is transmogrify, T-R-A-N-S-M-O-G-R-I-F-Y. Transmogrify is a verb that means to completely alter the form of. The precise or...

Coxcomb - #507

09 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is coxcomb. It’s spelled C-O-X-C-O-M-B. Coxcomb is a noun that means a foolish or conceited man. This word of Middle Engl...

Commodious - #506

08 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is commodious, C-O-M-M-O-D-I-O-U-S. Commodious is an adjective that means roomy and spacious.  The Latin word Commodus...

Volitant - #505

07 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is volitant. It’s spelled V-O-L-I-T-A-N-T. Volitant is an adjective that means having the power of flight. Believe it or ...

Resplendent - #504

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is resplendent, R-E-S-P-L-E-N-D-E-N-T. Resplendent is an adjective that means shiny and colorful; pleasing to the eye. The ...

Eudemonic - #504

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Matutinal - #503

04 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is matutinal, M-A-T-U-T-I-N-A-L. Matutinal is an adjective that means related to or occurring in the early morning.  M...

Autoschediasm - #502

03 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is autoschediasm. It’s spelled A-U-T-O-S-C-H-E-D-I-A-S-M. Autoschediasm is a noun that means anything done with little for...

Aegis - #501

02 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is aegis, A-E-G-I-S. Aegis is a noun that means protection. Although aegis comes directly from Latin, its true origin is in ...

Degust - #500

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is degust. It’s spelled D-E-G-U-S-T. Degust is a verb that means to savor something fully. The Latin word for taste is deg...

Knavery - #499

01 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is knavery, K-N-A-V-E-R-Y. Knavery is a noun that means a roguish or mischievous act. If you’re familiar with Shakespeare...

Selcouth - #498

31 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day selcouth. It’s spelled S-E-L-C-O-U-T-H. Selcouth is an adjective that means unusual, strange. Selcouth is derived from an...

Pleonasm - #497

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is pleonasm, P-L-E-O-N-A-S-M. Pleonasm is a noun that means the excessive use of words. Our word of the day began in Ancien...

Sibylline - #496

29 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is sibylline. It’s spelled S-I-B-Y-L-L-I-NE. Sibylline is an adjective that means mysterious. History buffs may recall a ...

Adust - #495

28 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is adust, A-D-U-S-T. Adust is an adjective that means scorched or burned. Adustus (AHH doos toos) is the Latin word for sco...

Lucubration - #494

27 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is lucubration. It’s spelled L-U-C-U-B-R-A-T-I-O-N. Lucubration is a noun that means laborious or intensive study. The La...

Riant - #493

25 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is giant, R-I-A-N-T. Riant is an adjective that means cheerful or happy.  Riant comes directly from France where it me...

Gallinaceous - #492

24 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s word of the day is gallinaceous. It’s spelled G-A-L-L-I-N-A-C-E-O-U-S. Gallinaceous is an adjective that means related to or resembling tu...

Etiolate - #491

23 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is etiolate, E-T-I-O-L-A-T-E. Etiolate is a verb that means to drain or make weak. The French have generously donated the wor...

Iconoclast - #490

22 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is iconoclast. It's spelled I-C-O-N-O-C-L-A-S-T. Iconoclast is a noun that means a person who attacks settled customs or insti...

Byzantine - #489

21 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is Byzantine, B-Y-Z-A-N-T-I-N-E.  Byzantine is an adjective that means elaborate and complex. Historian recall the Byzan...

Lenity - #488

20 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is lenity. It's spelled L-E-N-I-T-Y. Lenity is a noun that means the state of being mild or gentle. The Latin word lenitas (l...

Sisyphean - #487

19 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is sisyphean, S-I-S-Y-P-H-E-A-N. Sisyphean is an adjective that means endless. The myth of Sisyphus is an ancient Greek tale ...

Eximious - #486

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is eximous. It's spelled E-X-I-M-I-O-U-S. Eximious is an adjective that means distinguished. The Latin word eximius (ex EEM e...

Burble - #485

17 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is burble, B-U-R-B-L-E. Burble is a verb that means to speak in an excited manner. The Middle English word for bubble is burb...

Beamish - #484

16 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is beamish. It's spelled B-E-A-M-I-S-H. Beamish is an adjective that means bright with optimism. Coming from the English word...

Agrapha - #483

15 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is agrapha, A-G-R-A-P-H-A. Agrapha is a noun that means famous sayings that are falsely attributed. A word borrowed from Gree...

Garboil - #482

14 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is garboil. It's spelled G-A-R-B-O-I-L. Garboil is a noun that means a confused or disordered state. The Latin word bullire (...

Agog - #481

13 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is agog. It's spelled A-G-O-G. Agog is an adjective that means full of interest or excitement. The origin of agog seems to be...

Legerity - #480

12 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is legerity, L-E-G-E-R-I-T-Y. Legerity is a noun that means alert quickness of mind and body. The Latin word Levis (LEV ees) ...

Instantiate - #479

11 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is instantiate. It's spelled I-N-S-T-A-N-T-I-A-T-E. Instantiate is a verb that means to represent by a concrete example. Inst...

Crocodilian - #478

10 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is crocodilian, C-R-O-C-O-D-I-L-I-A-N. Crocodilian is an adjective that means hypocritical or insincere. If you recognize the...

Esperance - #477

09 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is esperance. It's spelled E-S-P-E-R-A-N-C-E. Esperance is a noun that means hope or expectation. The French word esperance (...

Flackery - #476

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is flackery, F-L-A-C-K-E-R-Y. Flackery is a noun that means promotion or publicity. The exact origin of flack, meaning 'a pre...

Oscitant - #475

07 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Today's word of the day is oscitant. It's spelled O-S-C-I-T-A-N-T. Oscitant is an adjective that means drowsy. Coming directly from the Latin word Os...