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Word of the Day

Word of the Day

By Word of the Day

The huge Amazon Alexa hit Word of the Day is now available as a podcast!

Word of the Day teaches you a useful word, its definition, etymology, and gives you examples of how to use it in a sentence. A new word each and every day! Perfect for those looking to expand their vocabulary, learning English and looking for a boost and anyone who loves words.

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Acrophobia

Acrophobia

Acrophobia is a noun that refers to a fear of heights. 

The Greek word akron (AK ron) means ‘summit,’ while the Greek suffix P-H-O-B-I-A means fear. Since the late 19th century people terrified of high places have used our word of the day to describe their condition. Here’s an example:

Tammy has such gripping acrophobia that she won’t date a man over six feet tall. She’s afraid that just reaching up to give him a kiss will make her dizzy. 

Feb 25, 202400:46
Mendicant

Mendicant

Mendicant is a noun that refers to a beggar. 

The Latin verb mendicare (med duh CAR ay) refers to a ‘beggar.’ Our word of the day entered English in the Late Middle English period. Here’s an example of it in use:

Jeff spent many years on the street as a mendicant. Being a beggar has a way of putting your success into perspective. 

Feb 24, 202400:36
Jeremiad

Jeremiad

Jeremiad is a noun that refers to a list of complaints. 

Our word of the day has its origin in the Biblical figure Jeremiah, whose lamentations were featured in the Old Testament. Since the late 18th century, a jeremiad has been known as a series of criticisms. Here’s an example of it in use:

After several years of living with Cheryl, I’ve gathered a jeremiad I’ve been wanting to share with her. I only hope her list of complaints about me isn’t longer than mine. 

Feb 23, 202400:39
Jardiniere

Jardiniere

Jardiniere is a noun that refers to an ornamental pot or stand for plants for flowers. 

Our word of the day is a loan word that comes directly from the French word for ‘gardener.’ It’s been used since the mid-19th century to describe places to display plants or flowers. Here’s an example:

When I first saw that jardiniere, I assumed it was from someplace exotic like the Far East. It turned out to be just a pot from Cleveland. I wish I had known that before I paid two hundred dollars for it.

Feb 22, 202400:47
Schlep

Schlep

Schlep is a verb that means to haul or carry in an awkward way. 

Our word of the day comes from the Yiddish word ‘shepn’ (SHLEP - in.) which means ‘to drag.’ Its English offspring has been around since the early 20th century. Here’s an example:

Next year when we go on vacation, I think I’ll leave my computer at home. It’s too much trouble to schlep that thing all the way to Florida. 

Feb 21, 202400:45
Jactitation

Jactitation

Jactitation is a noun that refers to the restless tossing of a body. 

The Latin word jactare (jock TAR ay) means ’to toss.’ Its English variation has been around since the 16th century, getting most of its use in a medical context. Here’s an example:

All that jactitation I heard on the other side of the bed had me worried about my wife’s health. But it turned out all that tossing and turning didn’t come from her. It was just our Golden Retriever, Rex joining us in the middle of the night. 

Feb 20, 202400:48
Jacquerie

Jacquerie

Jacquerie is a noun that refers to a peasant’s revolt. 

Our word of the day comes from the French name ‘Jacques’ (zhock) which was a common name among the poor and working class. The term was first used to describe a revolt that took place against the ruling class in the 14th century. It later came to refer to any sort of revolt or protest. Here’s an example:

If conditions at the office don’t get better, well have to stage a jacquerie. I don’t usually like such radical actions, but there’s only so much I can take of not having diet soft drinks available in the vending machine. 

Feb 19, 202400:54
Presentism

Presentism

Presentism is an attitude toward the past dominated by present-day beliefs. 

A recent addition to the English language, presentism emerged in the late 20th century to describe a tendency to view the past through the lens of current conventions. It combines the word ‘present,’ a word of Middle English origin with the suffix I-S-M, which denotes a distinctive practice or philosophy. Here’s an example of presentism in use:-

All the presentism in history class made it difficult to truly understand things from the point of view of ancient civilizations. I wish we could have just ditched our current way of viewing things. 

Feb 17, 202400:53
Endarken

Endarken

Endarken is a verb that means to make dark or darker. 

You can think of the word endarken as a counterpoint to ‘enlighten.’ Both take words of Old English origin and add the prefix E-N which expresses entry into a specified state or location. Here’s an example of endarken in use:

Every time we start talking about camping our friend Sam seems to endarken the conversation by talking about all the dangerous creatures lurking in the woods. That guy has a way of making almost any conversation needlessly dark. 


Feb 16, 202400:48
Forgettery

Forgettery

Forgettery is a noun that refers to the tendency to forget. 

Our word of the day is a neologism, meaning it’s a recent addition to the English language. Forgettery combines a word of Old English origin that means ‘fail to remember’ with the suffix E-R-Y which denotes a behavior. We see this also in words like bravery, tomfoolery and archery. Forgettery isn’t usually used in formal contexts. Here’s an example of where it is best used:

I come from a long line of people skilled in the art of forgettery. We even have our own Facebook that celebrates our inability to remember stuff. The only problem is nobody can recall the group’s password. 

Feb 15, 202400:59
Scroyle

Scroyle

Scroyle is a noun that refers to a scoundrel or a mean fellow. 

Our word of the day’s origin is unknown, but we know it’s not a word you’d ever want to be called. It’s a synonym of such unfriendly words as rascal, charlatan and reprobate. Here’s an example:

I’ve been called a scroyle for this, but I really don’t like people making too much noise near my house. Come to think of it, I’m not crazy about birds making noise near my house either.

Feb 14, 202400:40
Contiguous

Contiguous

Contiguous is an adjective that means sharing next or together in sequence. 

The Latin word contiguus (con TEE goose) means ‘touching.’ Our word of the day is derived from this adjective and has been around the English language since the early 16th century. Here’s an example of its use

The contiguous businesses had a difficult time getting along. Maybe there was something about two touching buildings that made them too close for comfort. 

Feb 13, 202400:41
Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a noun that refers to the ability to naturally glow. 

Our word of the day comes from two Latin words, ‘bio’ (BEE oh), meaning ‘life,’ and ‘lumin,’ (LOO men) which means ‘light.’ Its descendent, bioluminescence has been around since the early 20th century describing a wide array of glowing creatures. Here’s an example:

Bugs that can glow in the dark have often creeped me out, but when I get lost in the woods, I’m happy to have them around. Without the bioluminescence of my tiny friends, I might get lost in the dark. 

Feb 12, 202400:54
Echolocation

Echolocation

Echolocation is a noun that refers to the location of objects by reflected sound. 

Our word of the day combines two words of Greek origin. Echo, which refers to the reflection of sound that occurs when sound bounces off a surface, and location, which means ‘place.’ Animals like bats that possess the ability to locate things without seeing, are skilled at echolocation. Here’s an example of its use:

Learning about bats at school was both fascinating and disappointing. It was fascinating to learn about the echolocation that these animals do because of their limited vision. But it was disappointing to not learn anything about Batman.

Feb 11, 202401:01
Legerdemain

Legerdemain

Legerdemain is a noun that refers to sleight of hand. 

The French phrase ‘legerete de main’ (lay ZHEY ray de mahn) translates to ‘lightness of hand.’ It’s a synonym for ‘dextrous’ and it’s often used to describe magicians or others skilled with hand trickery. Our word of the day comes directly from this term. Example:

Mike’s legerdemain would have made him a great illusionist. But unfortunately, he chose a different career path. Somehow I don’t think his chosen profession of pickpocket is nearly as appreciated by people. 

Feb 10, 202400:49
Intendiment

Intendiment

Intendiment is a noun that refers to consideration or attention. 

Our word of the day shares its Latin roots with words like ‘intention’ and ‘intend.’ Intendiment, however, is a synonym for words like ‘attention.’ Here’s an example:

When the TV commercial announced a buy one, get one free sale, they had my intendiment right away. But when I saw they were selling private jets, they lost me. 

Feb 09, 202400:42
Abulia

Abulia

Abulia is a noun that refers to an absence of willpower. 

The Greek word boule (boo LEE) means ‘the will.’ By adding an ‘A’ to our word of the day, we get a word that means ‘without will.’ Abulia has been with us since the mid 19th century. Here’s an example of it in use:

Last night there was no time for abulia. I know we were hungry, but to me, when a restaurant refuses to give us free fortune cookies, that’s when it’s time to choose another restaurant. 

Feb 08, 202400:42
Syncope

Syncope

Syncope is a noun that refers to the temporary loss of consciousness caused by a fall in blood pressure. 

Our word of the day comes almost directly from a Greek word that means ‘strike’ or ‘cut off.’ By the Late Middle English period, syncope had been adopted into English. Here’s an example:

Having a significant drop in blood pressure may not seem like a huge problem. But frankly, it would terrify me to experience the syncope that often comes with it. I can’t imagine anything scarier than losing consciousness. 

Feb 07, 202400:45
Sternutation

Sternutation

Sternutation is a noun that refers to the act of sneezing. 

The Latin word ‘sternuere’ (stern you AIR ay) means ‘to sneeze.’ After a few modifications, this word moved into the English language in the Late Middle English period. Here’s an example of sternutation in use.

After my eye surgery, the doctor told me to avoid sternutation if possible for a few days. As you can imagine, it was quite a challenge. I mean, how do you avoid something as natural and inescapable as a sneeze?

Feb 06, 202400:51
Villatic

Villatic

Villatic is an adjective that means rural. 

The Latin word villa (WILL uh) has given birth to English words ‘village’ and our word of the day villatic. It’s been around since the late 16th century. Here’s an example of it in use:

The villatic surroundings of my uncle’s home were a little unusual for me. But after about three months, living in a small town began to feel perfectly normal. 

Feb 05, 202400:40
Ballyrag

Ballyrag

Ballyrag is a verb that means to intimidate by bullying. 

The origin of our word of the day is unclear, but you can think of it as a synonym for words like ‘berate,’ ‘scold,’ and, of course, ‘bully.’ Here’s an example:

I tried to ballyrag everybody in the office into allowing me to listen to non-stop polka music. It didn’t work out so well. I guess there are some things people just can’t get bullied into.

Feb 04, 202400:42
Eclat

Eclat

Eclat is a noun that refers to a brilliant display or effect. 

Our word of the day comes almost directly from the French word for ‘burst out.’ Since the late 17th century, it’s been used as a noun to refer to anything that bursts out in a prominent or audacious way. Here’s an example of it in use:

Say what you will about George, but he sure has eclat. When he showed up for work in a sequined tuxedo, he caught everybody’s eye immediately. 

Feb 03, 202400:43
Misbegotten

Misbegotten

Misbegotten is an adjective that means badly conceived or planned. 

The Middle English word ‘beget’ means ‘to produce offspring.’ Our word of the day originally referred to people who were born out of wedlock. But more recently, it refers to ideas or things that weren’t planned well. For example:

My plans to have an office party were horribly misbegotten. Not only did I not properly plan the entertainment, but I didn’t realize that a pool party in December wouldn’t make much sense in Minnesota. 

Feb 02, 202400:48
Obnubilate

Obnubilate

Obnubilate is a verb that means to darken or obscure. 

The Latin word obnubilare (ob new be LAR ay) means ‘to hide’ or ‘to obscure.’ Since the late 16th century our word of the day has been carrying out the same function in English. Example:

People thought the scarf I was wearing was an attempt to be fashionable. But in truth, I was just hoping to obnubilate that coffee stain on my shirt. You’d be surprised how much of my clothing choices are really just attempts to mask my clumsiness.

Feb 01, 202400:46
Zhuzh

Zhuzh

Zhuz is a verb that means to make something more lively. 

Our word of the day has been around since the 1960s, but nobody knows for certain where it came from. Here’s an example of it in use:

I was hoping my ten-gallon hat would zhuzh up my swimming trunks. But it just made me look like a really confused cowboy. 

Jan 31, 202400:47
Operose

Operose

Operose is an adjective that means displaying much effort. 

The Latin word opus (OH poose) means ‘work,’ since the mid-18th century, our word of the day has been used to describe someone hard at work. Here’s an example of operose in use:

Kevin could be pretty operose at the factory, but personally, I never felt he showed much industry when it mattered most — at the company’s annual softball tournament. 

Jan 30, 202400:38
Buccula

Buccula

Buccula is a noun that refers to a fold of flesh known as a double chin. 

Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin word for ‘little cheek.’ For centuries it’s been used to describe an extra fold of skin under someone’s face. Here’s an example:

I could tell I had gained a little weight when I looked up to see I had a double chin. Some people may find buccula attractive, but it’s never been a look I’ve cultivated.

Jan 29, 202400:39
Figmental

Figmental

Figmental is an adjective that means imaginary. 

The Latin word fignare (feeg NARE ay) means ’to form’ or ‘contrive.’ By the late Middle English period, the word ‘figment’ came to mean something formed through our imagination. Our word of the day is the adjective form of the word. Here’s an example of it in use:

As a kid, I had a number of figmental conversations with people who weren’t actually there. I understood they were imaginary, but I was just having too much fun to let reality get in my way. 

Jan 28, 202400:46
Brachiate

Brachiate

Brachiate is a verb that means to swing from branches like a monkey. 

Our word of the day comes from the Latin word brachium (BRA key oom) meaning ‘arm.’ Since the mid-18th century, its variant, brachiate has been used to describe anyone — or anything — using their arms to swing through branches.

I never understood most of the exercises we did in gym class. For example, why did they have us brachiate through the monkey bars? Unless we were training for a spot in the local zoo, it seemed pretty pointless.

Jan 27, 202400:47
Corniche

Corniche

Corniche is a noun that refers to a road running along the coast. 

Our word of the day comes directly from French. Since the mid 19th century it’s been used to describe a road along the edge of a cliff or the coast. Here’s an example:

Taking the corniche to San Francisco may be a little more time-consuming, but the view makes it worth it. Whoever decided to put a road along the coast gets my vote for the state Governor. 

Jan 26, 202400:41
Caesura

Caesura

Caesura is a noun that refers to an interruption or break. 

The Latin word caedere (ky DARE ay) means ‘to cut.’ Since the mid-16th century, our word of the day has been used by English speakers to refer to something that cuts someone off. Example:

After about an hour of a really tedious meeting, we were mercifully given a caesura. This much-needed break was a helpful way to let us rest up and prepare for three more boring hours. 

Jan 25, 202400:42
Lowery

Lowery

Lowery is an adjective that means gloomy or sullen. 

The origin of our word of the day is unknown. But we know it’s the adjective form of the verb lower, meaning to look angry or sullen. Here’s an example:

That lowery look on my son’s face can be explained by tonight’s dinner. He really hates spinach. 

Jan 24, 202400:33
Balefire

Balefire

Balefire is a noun that refers to a large, open-air fire. 

Our word of the day combines two words ‘bale’ and ‘fire’ that have an origin in Old English. A balefire is a large fire often used for ceremonial purposes. Here’s an example of balefire in use:

The village gathered around the balefire gave me chills. It was a joy to see everyone participating in such a lovely ritual. 

Jan 23, 202400:38
Inextricable

Inextricable

Inextricable is an adjective that means impossible to disentangle.

The Latin word extricare (ex truh CAR ay) means ‘to unravel’ or ‘disentangle.’

If something is inextricable, it can’t be unravelled. Our word of the day has been impossible to disentangle from English since the mid-16th century. Here’s an example of it in use:

I know it’s weird for me to wear those lucky tennis shoes fifteen years after wearing them to win a medal at the track meet. But for me, they are inextricable from that big victory. I just can’t separate them from the joy I felt picking up that gold.

Jan 22, 202400:55
Oppugnant

Oppugnant

Oppugnant is an adjective that means opposing or antagonistic.

Having been around since the early 16th century, our word of the day comes from the Latin verb oppugnare (oh pug NAR ay) which means ‘to oppose.’ oppugnant can be used in nearly any context where someone or something opposes us. 

The oppugnant students may not have liked my idea of implementing a school uniform, but I felt we needed some discipline in that place. Not many people agreed with me. The opposing forces would win that debate. 

Jan 21, 202400:47
Dux

Dux

Dux is a noun that refers to the top pupil in school. 

Our word of the day comes directly from Latin where it can be used to describe a leader. Since the mid 18th century, dux has been used mainly in a scholastic context to describe the highest ranking student. Example:

I was the dux of our fifth-grade geography class. When it came to knowing the state capitals, I was truly the champ.

Jan 20, 202400:35
Mizzle

Mizzle

Mizzle is a noun that refers to a light rain. 

The Middle English word ‘misun’ (MEE sun) was used to describe a light mist of rain. Centuries later, our word of the day can be used in a similar way. Here’s an example of mizzle in use:

A downpour of rain can make things difficult for my morning jog, but a mizzle can feel great. Not only does it not interfere with my running, but that light mist of water feels cool against my skin. 

Jan 19, 202400:38
Quaternary

Quaternary

Quaternary is an adjective that means fourth in order or rank. 

The Latin word ‘quattuor’ (KWAT too or) denotes the number ‘four.’ Just as we use the words ‘primary,’ ‘secondary’ and ‘tertiary’ to describe things that are first, second and third in rank or order, our word of the day refers to something fourth in order. Here’s an example:

I wasn’t the fastest runner on our high school track team, but I take some pride in being the quaternary-ranked runner in the one-hundred-meter dash. Unfortunately, there’s no medal handed out for fourth place. 

Jan 18, 202400:49
Equilibrist

Equilibrist

Equilibrist is a noun that describes a person skilled at balancing. It can be used as a synonym for ‘acrobat,’ or ‘tightrope walker.’

The Latin word aequi (EY kwee) means ‘equal’ or ‘balanced.’ It has given English speakers such words as ‘equality’ and ‘equilibrium,’ a word that refers to, among other things,’ a state of physical balance. You can think of an equilibrist as someone remarkably skilled at keeping their balance — especially at dangerous heights. Here’s an example of equilibrist in use:

I often thought of pursuing a career as an equilibrist. I always could keep my balance even several stories up. Unfortunately, you hardly ever see the phrase ‘tightrope walker wanted’ in the want ads.

Jan 17, 202401:01
Tensile

Tensile

Tensile is an adjective that means capable of being drawn out or stretched. 

Our word of the day has its origin in the Latin word tendere (ten DARE ay) which means ‘to stretch.’ Since the 17th century it’s been used by English speakers to describe things that can be lengthened or elongated. Here’s an example:

The stiff, immovable pole we tried to use on the construction site simply didn’t get the job done. We needed something tensile to reach the space above us. 

Jan 16, 202400:42
Slumberous

Slumberous

Slumberous is an adjective that means sleepy. 

Coming from Middle English, our word of the day is the adjective version of slumber, a synonym for sleep. Here’s an example of slumberous in use:

After two hours of boring lectures, I was so slumberous I could barely drive home that night. 

Jan 15, 202400:34
Lambent

Lambent

Lambent is an adjective that means flickering with a soft radiance. 

Our word of the day comes directly from the Latin word for ‘licking,’ which was used to describe the flickering of flames. Lambent has been with us since the mid-17th century. 

Here’s an example:

The lambent of our fireplace still looms large in my childhood memories. Those soft, flickering images made me warm on the inside and out. 

Jan 14, 202400:38
Frore

Frore

Frore is an adjective that means frozen or frosty. 

Coming directly from Middle English, our word of the day has been with us since the 14th century. 

The frore fields of western Michigan are where I learned to play football. There’s no better place to develop speed because when it’s cold outside, you want to get inside very quickly. 

Jan 13, 202400:30
Opsimath

Opsimath

Opsimath is a noun that refers to a person who begins to learn or study late in life. 

The Greek word opsi (OPP see) meaning ‘late’ and math (MATH) meaning ‘learn’ give us a word for those who learn late. Our word of the day has been with us since the late 19th century. 

My son is planning on becoming an opsimath. He figures that if he doesn’t graduate from high school until his thirties, he can be recognized as a late bloomer. 

Jan 12, 202400:39
Surcease

Surcease

Surcease is a noun that refers to relief or consolation. 

The Latin word cessare (say SAR ay) means ‘stop.’ From this word came the word ‘cease’ and others like it, including our word of the day. Here’s an example:

On the car ride, from New Orleans, Phil annoyed us without surcease. By the time we got home, it was great to finally get some relief. 

Jan 11, 202400:36
Cheeseparing

Cheeseparing

Cheeseparing is an adjective that means careful or stingy with money. 

During the 16th century, it was common for people to cut away the rind, or outer layer of cheese. This act of stinginess came to be called ‘cheeseparing.’ Today the term is used to describe any stingy act, cheese-related or not. Here’s an example:

The cheeseparing that takes place at that restaurant is truly outrageous. Not only are they too cheap to give you napkins with your order,  but they also charge you extra for ice. 

Jan 10, 202400:50
Inconnu

Inconnu

Inconnu is a noun that refers to an unknown person or thing. 

Coming directly from the French word for ‘unknown,’ our word of the day has been around since the early 19th century. Here’s an example of it in use:

When traveling to inconnu locations, it’s best to use as much technology as possible. It’s easy to get lost when going to places unknown to you. 

Jan 09, 202400:35
Quandary

Quandary

Quandary is a noun that refers to a situation featuring a difficult choice. 

It’s not clear where exactly our word of the day came from, but it may have emerged from the Latin word quando (KWAN doe) which means ‘when.’ Quandary is a synonym for dilemma, but our word of the day is more likely to be used in formal settings. Here’s an example:

The judge ruled that the defendant was not at fault when faced with a quandary. The choice may have been a tough one, but he did the right thing. 

Jan 08, 202400:43
Chthonic

Chthonic

Chthonic is an adjective that means concerning, belonging to or inhabiting the underworld. 

Our word of the day comes from a term in Greek mythology to describe the underworld. By the late 19th century, chthonic had risen from the depths of Greek mythology to inhabit English. Here’s an example:

My son loves reading about Greek myths, especially the really creepy ones about chthonic activity from down below. 

Jan 07, 202400:40
Chintzy

Chintzy

Chintzy is an adjective that means cheap or gaudy. 

In the 17th century, an Indian fabric called Chintz became popular in Europe. It was inexpensive, but ornate. In time this fabric gained a reputation as gaudy and unfashionable. The word remains with us today, maintaining the same meaning. Here’s an example:

The chintzy decorations at Mike’s house could get a little embarrassing at times. He may have had good taste, but he was too cheap to show it. 

Jan 06, 202400:42