Word of the Day

Nesh

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nesh is an adjective that means soft and tender.  Our word of the day comes from Old English and has been around for several centuries. In addition ...

Bevel

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bevel is a verb that means to change to a sloped angle.  Coming from the Old English word for ‘open mouthed’ bevel has been with us since the lat...

Desipience

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Desipience is a noun that refers to silliness.  The Latin word sapere (suh PAIR ay) means ‘to be wise.’ By adding the prefix D-E for ‘away fro...

Cyesis

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cyesis is a noun that refers to pregnancy.   Coming from the Greek word Kuesis (koo ESS es) which means ‘pregnancy’ our word of the day was given...

Exuviate

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Exuviate is a verb that means to shed or cast out.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word exuviae (eks SOU vee uh) and refers to the skin of...

Fiat

20 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fiat is a noun that refers to a formal authorization or proposition.  The Latin word feiri (fee AIR ee) mean’s ‘be done or made.’ By the Late ...

Ferrous

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ferrous is an adjective that means containing or consisting of iron.  The Latin word ferrum (FAIR oom) means ‘iron.’ By the mid 19th century, th...

Farouche

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Farouche is an adjective that means sullen or shy in company.  The Latin word foras (FOUR as) means ‘outdoors.’ As this word evolved into our wo...

Wamble

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wamble is a verb that means to feel nauseous or dizzy.  The Latin word vomare (voe MAR ay) means ‘to vomit.’ From this origin, came our word of ...

Dandle

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dandle is a verb that means to bounce on one’s knees or in one’s arms.  The exact origin of our word of the day is unknown, but we know it’s b...

Countermand

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Countermand is a verb that means to revoke an order.  Our word of the day combines the Latin prefix C-O-N-T-R-A which means ‘against,’ and the L...

Febrile

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Febrile is an adjective that means having or showing a great deal of nervous excitement or energy.  Our word of the day comes from the Latin word fe...

Contravention

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Contravention is a noun that refers to an action that violates a law or treaty.  The Latin prefix C-O-N-T-R-A means ‘against and the Latin word ve...

Benighted

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Benighted is an adjective that means in a state of intellectual or moral ignorance.  The Old English word benight was a verb that meant ‘to obscur...

Judicature

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Judicature is a noun that refers to the authority or jurisdiction of a court of law.  The Latin word judicare (joo duh CAR ay) means ‘to judge.’...

Aggiornamento

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aggiornamento is a noun that refers to the process of modernization or bringing something up to date.  Our word of the day comes from the Italian wo...

Tousle

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tousle is a verb that means to make hair messy or untidy.  Derived from German and related to the word ‘tussle,’ our word of the day has been wi...

Unilateral

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Unilateral is an adjective that means performed by only one person, group or country.  The Latin word latus (LA toose) means ‘side.’ By adding t...

Amerce

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amerce is a verb that means to punish with a fine.  Coming from Middle English, our word of the day isn’t as commonly used as it had been centurie...

Amanuensis

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amanuensis is a noun that refers to an assistant who takes dictation.  Our word of the day comes from a Latin phrase that refers to ‘a servant at ...

Unremitting

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Unremitting is an adjective that means incessant or never relaxing.  The root word of our word of the day is remit, which goes back to the early 20t...

Wan

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wan is an adjective that means pale or light in complexion.  Coming from Old English, our word of the day’s origin is something of a mystery. But ...

Junoesque

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Junoesque is an adjective that means marked by stately beauty.  Dating back to the 19th century, our word of the day combines the Roman Goddess Juno...

Spiel

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Spiel is a noun that refers to a long or fast speech or story.  Coming from a German word for a game, our word of the day was imported into English ...

Cahoots

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cahoots is a noun that refers to colluding or conspiring together secretly.  The origin of cahoots is unknown, but we know it emerged in the early 1...

Dregs

30 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dregs is a noun that refers to the remnants of a liquid left in a container.  The origin of our word of the day is unclear, but it seems to have eme...

Techlash

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Techlash is a noun that refers to a backlash against the perceived negative effects of technology on society.  Our word of the day is inspired by th...

J.O.M.O

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jomo is an acronym that means Joy Of Missing Out.  Our word of the day was inspired by another acronym, FOMO, which stood for ‘fear of missing out...

Upcycle

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Upcycle is a verb that means ‘to reuse a product in such a way that elevates its value.’  Using the word ‘up’ as a prefix, our word of the d...

Nomophobia

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nomophobia is a noun that refers to the fear of being without a cell phone.  Our word of the day is a recent addition to the English language that g...

Vexillology

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vexillology is a noun that refers to the study of flags.  Dating back to the 1950s, the latin word vexillum (vecks ee LOOM) means ‘flag.’ By add...

Ebullition

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ebullition is a noun that refers to the action of bubbling or boiling.  The Latin word ebullire (ee boo LEAR ay) means ‘to boil up.’ Our word of...

Mumpish

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mumpish is an adjective that means Sullen or sulky.  The origin of our word of the day isn’t clear, but we know the word mump has been with us sin...

Macrosmatic

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Macrosmatic is an adjective that means having a highly developed sense of smell.  Our word of the day comes from a combination of the Greek prefix M...

Sciamachy

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sciamachy is a noun that refers to the act of fighting an imaginary foe.  Coming from Greek, this word fought its way into the English language in t...

Echolalia

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Echolalia is a noun that refers to the meaningless repetition of another person’s spoken words.  Coming from the late 19th century, our word of th...

Pantisocracy

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pantisocracy is a noun that refers to a utopian society in which all are equal.  Coined by an 18th century English poet named Samuel Taylor Coleridg...

Pogonotomy

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pogonotomy is a noun that refers to the cutting of a beard.  The Greek word pogon (POE gon) means ‘beard.’ That addition of tome (TOE me) meanin...

Interpunction

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interpunction is a noun that refers to the insertion of a punctuation mark.  Emerging in the mid 18th century, our word of the day comes from the La...

Emolument

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Emolument is a noun that refers to a salary or fee from employment.  Our word of the day comes from a Latin word that referred to payment given to a...

Pinion

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pinion is a verb that means to cut off the wing of a bird to prevent flight.  Dating back to the 17th century, our word of the day comes from the Fr...

Chevelure

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chevelure is a noun that refers to a head of hair.  Coming almost directly from French, our word of the day has been used as a sophisticated way of ...

Commination

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Commination is a noun that means the actin of threatening divine vengeance.  Derived from late Middle English, our word of the day combines the Lati...

Prolegomenon

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prolegomenon is a noun that refers to an introduction to a book.  Coming from the 17th century, our word of the day combines the Latin prefix P-R-O ...

Antidromic

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Antidromic is an adjective that means traveling in a direction that is the opposite of normal.  Coming from Greek, our word of the day combines the ...

Manuduction

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Manuduction is a noun that refers to the act of guiding or leading as if by hand.  Our word of the day combines the Latin word manus (MAN oose) mean...

Disconsolate

09 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Disconsolate is an adjective that means without consolation or comfort.  Our word of the day is derived from the Latin word consolari (con so LAR ay...

Oppugn

08 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Oppugn is a verb that means to call into question the truth or validity of.  Our word of the day combines the Latin prefix O-B which means ‘agains...

Vellicate

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vellicate is a verb that means to twitch.  The Latin word vellicare (vel ee CAR ay) means ‘to pluck or pull.’ By the early 17th century the word...

Agley

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Agley is an adverb that means askew or wrong.  The precise origin of our word of the day is unknown, but we do know it comes from the Scottish word ...

Astern

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Astern is an adverb that means ‘backwards.’ Coming from the Middle English word ‘stern,’ (STERN) which means ‘rear,’ our word of the day ...

Dyad

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dyad is a noun that refers to something consisting of two parts.  The Greek word duo (DOO oh) means two. By the late 17th century, our word of the d...

Ejecta

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ejecta is a noun that refers to something that is thrown out.  The Latin word ejectus (ee JEK toose) means ‘thrown out.’ Our word of the day is ...

Gossamer

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Gossamer is an adjective that means light and delicate.  Our word of the day dates back to Middle English and combines the words ‘goose’ and ‘...

Titular

01 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Titular is an adjective that means related to a title.  The Latin word titulus (TEA too loose) means name, and was morphed into the word title in la...

Cleave

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cleave is a verb that means to separate or divide into parts.  Our word of the day comes from Old English and is ultimately derived from German. Her...

Virescent

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Virescent is an adjective that means green-colored.  The Latin word virides (VEER ee dees) means green. Our word of the day emerged in the 19th cent...

Sumptuary

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sumptuary is an adjective that means relating to or denoting laws that limit private expenditure on food and personal items.  Dating back to the ear...

Argent

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Argent is an adjective that means silvery white colored.  If you’re familiar with the periodic table you’ll know that AG is the symbol for silver...

Clade

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Clade is a noun that refers to a group that comes from a common ancestor.  Our word of the day comes from the Greek word klados (KLA dose) which mea...

Aeneous

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aeneous is an adjective that means brass colored.  Dating back to the 17th century, our of the day is derived from the Latin word aes (EYE ess) which...

Annular

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Annular is an adjective that means ring-shaped.  The Latin word annulus (ANN ooh loose) means ‘ring.’ Our word of the day can be used to describe...

Annular

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Annular is an adjective that means ring-shaped.  The Latin word annulus (ANN ooh loose) means ‘ring.’ Our word of the day can be used to describ...

Substratum

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Substratum is a noun that refers to a foundation or basis of something.  The Latin prefix S-U-B means ‘below,’ while the root word stratum, also...

Secern

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Secern is a verb that means to discriminate in thought. The Latin word cernere (sir NARE ay) means ‘to separate.’ Our word of the day is similar i...

Brinkmanship

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brinkmanship is a noun that refers to the practice of pursuing a dangerous policy. The word brink refers to something unwelcome that is about to occur...

Doomscrolling

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Doomscrolling is a verb that means seeking internet updates on bad news. A recent addition to the English language, doomscrolling combines the English...

Linchpin

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A linchpin is a person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization. Our word of the day has its origin in the Middle English word ‘lync’ (LINK...

Fitful

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fitful is an adjective that means sporadic or disrupted. Our word of the day combines the Middle English word fit (meaning ‘appropriate’) with the...

Exurb

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Exurb is a noun that refers to a district beyond the suburbs. Our word of the day was coined in 1955 by author A.C. Spectorsky in reference to regions...

Armipotent

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Armipotent is an adjective that means strong in battle. Our word of the day comes from the Latin words ‘arma’ (ARM uh) which means ‘arms’ and ...

Naif

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Naif is a noun that refers to a naive person. Our word of the day comes directly from the French word for ‘naive.’ The word conjures up images of ...

Ressentiment

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ressentiment is a noun that refers to a psychological state arising from suppressed feelings of envy and hatred. Our word of the day was first coined ...

Querulous

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Querulous is an adjective that means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. The Latin word queri (KWERE ee) means complain, and it serves as the...

In medias res

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In medias res is an adjective that means ‘in the midst.’ Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin phrase ‘in the middle of things.’ H...

Prospero

11 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prospero is a noun that refers to a person who is capable of influencing others’ behavior or perceptions. Our word of the day gets its origin from t...

Repristinate

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Repristinate is a verb that means to restore to original state or condition. The root word of repristinate is pristine, an adjective of Latin origin t...

Cosh

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Cosh is a noun that refers to a thick heavy stick or bar used as a weapon. It’s also a verb that means to hit someone over the head with a cosh. Our...

Chaebol

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chaebol is a noun that refers to a large family-owned business conglomerate. Coming from the Korean words chae (CHAY) which means ‘money,’ and bol...

Waggle

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Waggle is a verb that means to get by devious means. Our word of the day comes from the Old English word wag. Before it referred to something a dog di...

Medicaster

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Medicaster is a noun that refers to a fake doctor. Our word of the day combines the prefix M-E-D-I, which means ‘medical,’ and A-S-T-E-R, which in...

Indexical

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Indexical is an adjective that means varying depending on context. It can also be a noun that refers to a word whose meaning depends on context. Deriv...

Trachle

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trachle is a verb that means to fatigue or wear out. Coming directly from Scottish, our word of the day may also be used as a noun that refers to the ...

Aporia

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aporia is a noun that refers to an internal contradiction. Our word of the day comes from the Greek word aporos (uh POOR ose) which means ‘impassabl...

Vulpine

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vulpine is an adjective that means like a fox. The Latin word vulpes (VOOL pez) means ‘fox.’ When someone behaves like a fox — meaning sly or cu...

Sneakernet

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sneakernet is a noun that refers to the transfer of electronic information by moving it physically. A recent addition to the English language, our wor...

Prattle

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Prattle is a verb that means to talk at length in a foolish way. Coming from the Low German word prate (PRATE) which has the same meaning as our word ...

Vendible

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Vendible is an adjective that means ‘able to be bought or sold.’ It is also a noun that refers to an item that can be bought or sold. The Latin wo...

Nutate

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nutate is a verb that means to nod the head. Our word of the day comes from the Latin word nutare (new TAR ay) which means ‘to nod.’ In a general ...

Unco

25 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Unco is an adjective that means strange or unknown. Coming directly from Scottish, our word of the day’s origin isn’t clear, although some believe...

Mumpsimus

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mumpsimus is a noun that refers to someone who sticks to old erroneous ways. Our word of the day is derived from a tale of a medieval priest who persi...

Hyperacusis

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hyperacusis is a noun that refers to a heightened sensitivity to sound. You may recognize the Greek prefix H-Y-P-E-R from words like hyperactive or hy...

Recondite

22 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recondite is an adjective that means unknown or abstruse. Coming from the Latin word reconditus (ray con DEE toose) which means ‘hidden’ or ‘put...

Schmatte

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Schmatte is a noun that refers to a ragged or shabby garment. Our word of the day comes from the Yiddish word for ‘rag’ and has been part of the E...

Malinger

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Malinger is a verb that means to exaggerate or feign illness to escape work. The French word malingre (MAL ange) means ‘sickly.’ But once the word...

Rive

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rive is a verb that means to split or tear apart violently. Our word of the day’s origin isn’t fully known, but we do know it comes from Old Norse...

Glabrous

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Glabrous is an adjective that means smooth and hairless. The Latin word glaber (GLOB er) means smooth and has been with us since the mid 17th century....

Crag

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Crag is a noun that refers to a steep rock formation rising higher than its surrounding rocks. Our word of the day is Celtic in origin and dates back ...

Haverel

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Haverel is a noun that refers to a half-wit. Coming directly from Scottish, our word of the day is related to verb ‘haver’ which means ‘to hem a...

Collate

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Collate is a verb that means to collect and combine in proper order. The Latin word conferre (con FAIR ay) means ‘to bring together.’ When we brin...