Podcasts by Merriam-Websters Word of the Day

invincible from 2022-02-21T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 21, 2022 is: invincible \in-VIN-suh-bul\ adjective
Invincible means "incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued."

// The loss ...

Listen

candor from 2022-02-20T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 20, 2022 is: candor \KAN-der\ noun
Candor is "unreserved, honest, or sincere expression."

// During the interview, the comedian spoke ...

Listen

nonchalant from 2022-02-19T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 19, 2022 is: nonchalant \nahn-shuh-LAHNT\ adjective
Nonchalant means "having an air of easy [unconcern](https://www.merriam-webster.com/diction...

Listen

hew from 2022-02-18T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 18, 2022 is: hew \HYOO\ verb
Hew is commonly used in the phrase to hew to, meaning "to conform to or adhere to (something)." The word also mean...

Listen

echelon from 2022-02-17T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 17, 2022 is: echelon \ESH-uh-lahn\ noun
An echelon refers to a level in an organization or to a group of individuals at a particular level in a...

Listen

slapdash from 2022-02-16T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 16, 2022 is: slapdash \SLAP-dash\ adjective
Slapdash means "haphazard," "[slipshod](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slipshod)," or "...

Listen

meander from 2022-02-15T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 15, 2022 is: meander \mee-AN-der\ verb
Meander means "to wander aimlessly or casually" or "to follow a winding or intricate course."

/...

Listen

billet-doux from 2022-02-14T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 14, 2022 is: billet-doux \bill-ee-DOO\ noun
A billet-doux is a [love letter](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/love%20letter).
Listen

fastidious from 2022-02-13T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 13, 2022 is: fastidious \fass-TID-ee-us\ adjective
Fastidious means "showing extreme care when doing something." Less commonly, it may be used ...

Listen

reprobate from 2022-02-12T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 12, 2022 is: reprobate \REP-ruh-bayt\ noun
A reprobate is an unprincipled or [depraved](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depraved) pe...

Listen

collaborate from 2022-02-11T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 11, 2022 is: collaborate \kuh-LAB-uh-rayt\ verb
Collaborate means "to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeav...

Listen

peremptory from 2022-02-10T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 10, 2022 is: peremptory \puh-REMP-tuh-ree\ adjective
Peremptory means "expressive of urgency or command" or "marked by arrogant self-assurance....

Listen

yen from 2022-02-09T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 9, 2022 is: yen \YEN\ noun
A yen is a strong desire, urge, or craving for something.

// After dinner, the family went out for ice crea...

Listen

disheveled from 2022-02-08T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 8, 2022 is: disheveled \dih-SHEV-uld\ adjective
Disheveled means "marked by disorder or [disarray](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/d...

Listen

admonish from 2022-02-07T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 7, 2022 is: admonish \ad-MAH-nish\ verb
Admonish means "to express warning or disapproval to (someone) especially in a gentle or earnest manner...

Listen

lugubrious from 2022-02-06T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 6, 2022 is: lugubrious \loo-GOO-bree-us\ adjective
Lugubrious means "mournful" or "dismal." It can also mean "very sad in an exaggerated or ins...

Listen

garble from 2022-02-01T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 1, 2022 is: garble \GAR-bul\ verb
Garble means "to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning."

// The ...

Listen

homogeneous from 2022-01-31T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 31, 2022 is: homogeneous \hoh-muh-JEEN-yus\ adjective
Homogeneous means "of the same or a similar kind or nature."

// The downtown area...

Listen

factoid from 2022-01-30T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 30, 2022 is: factoid \FAK-toyd\ noun
A factoid is a brief and usually trivial fact.

// On the back of baseball cards is a chart showing...

Listen

career from 2022-01-29T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 29, 2022 is: career \kuh-REER\ verb
The verb career means "to go at top speed in a headlong manner."

// The tourists gripped their seat...

Listen

myopic from 2022-01-28T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 28, 2022 is: myopic \mye-OH-pik\ adjective
Myopic means "not able to clearly see objects that are far away" (that is, "being [nearsighted](https...

Listen

ziggurat from 2022-01-27T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 27, 2022 is: ziggurat \ZIG-uh-rat\ noun
A ziggurat is an ancient [Mesopotamian](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mesopotamian) temple ...

Listen

bamboozle from 2022-01-26T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 26, 2022 is: bamboozle \bam-BOO-zul\ verb
Bamboozle means "to deceive, trick, or confuse."

// The legal advisor bluntly said to his cli...

Listen

quip from 2022-01-25T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 25, 2022 is: quip \KWIP\ noun
A quip is a clever remark or a witty or funny observation or response.

// They traded quips over a beer.<...

Listen

intemperate from 2022-01-24T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 24, 2022 is: intemperate \in-TEM-puh-rut\ adjective
Intemperate means "having extreme conditions" or "having or showing a lack of emotional calm...

Listen

juggernaut from 2022-01-23T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 23, 2022 is: juggernaut \JUG-er-nawt\ noun
A juggernaut is a massive force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path.<...

Listen

opine from 2022-01-22T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 22, 2022 is: opine \oh-PYNE\ verb
Opine means "to express an opinion."

// The writer opines that the town library should be open for lo...

Listen

derring-do from 2022-01-21T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 21, 2022 is: derring-do \dair-ing-DOO\ noun
Derring-do refers to daring action that requires bravery and courage.

// In a spectacular f...

Listen

non sequitur from 2022-01-20T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 20, 2022 is: non sequitur \NAHN-SEK-wuh-ter\ noun
A non sequitur is a statement that either does not logically follow from or is not clearly rel...

Listen

debilitating from 2022-01-19T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 19, 2022 is: debilitating \dih-BILL-uh-tay-ting\ adjective
Debilitating means "causing serious impairment of strength or ability to function." Listen

rationale from 2021-12-18T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 18, 2021 is: rationale \rash-uh-NAL\ noun
A rationale is an explanation or reason for something said or done.

// Senators who opposed ...

Listen

venerate from 2021-12-17T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 17, 2021 is: venerate \VEN-uh-rayt\ verb
Venerate means "to feel or show deep respect and honor for someone or something."

// Voluntee...

Listen

abrasive from 2021-12-16T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 16, 2021 is: abrasive \uh-BRAY-siv\ adjective
Abrasive means, literally, "causing damage or wear by rubbing, grinding, or scraping." Figurative...

Listen

talisman from 2021-12-15T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 15, 2021 is: talisman \TAL-iss-mun\ noun
A talisman is something that is believed to have magic powers and to bring good fortune.

// I...

Listen

flippant from 2021-12-14T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 14, 2021 is: flippant \FLIP-unt\ adjective
Flippant means "lacking proper respect or seriousness."

// The coach made a flippant respon...

Listen

beleaguer from 2021-12-13T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 13, 2021 is: beleaguer \bih-LEE-gur\ verb
Beleaguer means "to trouble or harass."

// The coach, beleaguered by the media and fans for ...

Listen

enigma from 2021-12-12T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 12, 2021 is: enigma \ih-NIG-muh\ noun
An enigma is someone or something that is difficult to understand or explain.

// The formation o...

Listen

secular from 2021-12-11T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 11, 2021 is: secular \SEK-yuh-ler\ adjective
Secular means "not spiritual or religious."

// In her autobiography, the actor mentions t...

Listen

palisade from 2021-12-10T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 10, 2021 is: palisade \pal-uh-SAYD\ noun
Palisade refers to a fence of stakes used for defense or to a line of steep cliffs.

// The ir...

Listen

rankle from 2021-12-09T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 9, 2021 is: rankle \RANK-ul\ verb
Rankle means "to cause anger, irritation, or bitterness."

// Rae Ann's snooty attitude and rude beha...

Listen

milquetoast from 2021-12-08T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 8, 2021 is: milquetoast \MILK-tohst\ noun
A milquetoast is a timid, meek, or unassertive person.

// The sales manager is not a milquet...

Listen

ostracize from 2021-12-07T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 7, 2021 is: ostracize \AH-struh-syze\ verb
Ostracize means "to exclude from a group by common consent."

// The Senator knew that he mi...

Listen

interloper from 2021-12-04T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 4, 2021 is: interloper \in-ter-LOH-per\ noun
An interloper is a person or thing that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity.

// As ...

Listen

galvanize from 2021-12-03T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 3, 2021 is: galvanize \GAL-vuh-nyze\ verb
Galvanize means "to cause (people) to take action on something that they are excited or concerned abo...

Listen

smarmy from 2021-12-02T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 2, 2021 is: smarmy \SMAR-mee\ adjective
Smarmy means "behaving in a way that seems polite, kind, or pleasing but is not genuine or believable."...

Listen

derrick from 2021-12-01T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 1, 2021 is: derrick \DAIR-ik\ noun
A derrick is a tall framework over an oil well that supports equipment used in drilling.

// Areas o...

Listen

hoity-toity from 2021-11-30T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 30, 2021 is: hoity-toity \hoy-tee-TOY-tee\ adjective
Hoity-toity means "[pretentious](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretentious), ...

Listen

obfuscate from 2021-11-29T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 29, 2021 is: obfuscate \AHB-fuh-skayt\ verb
Obfuscate means "to make difficult to understand" or "to be evasive, unclear, or confusing."  
...

Listen

menorah from 2021-11-28T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 28, 2021 is: menorah \muh-NOR-uh\ noun
A menorah is a [candelabra](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/candelabra) with seven or nine li...

Listen

commensurate from 2021-11-27T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 27, 2021 is: commensurate \kuh-MEN-suh-rut\ adjective
Commensurate means "proportionate" or "equal in size, amount, or degree."

// The...

Listen

maître d' from 2021-11-26T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 26, 2021 is: maître d' \may-truh-DEE\ noun
A maître d' (or maitre d') is the headwaiter of the dining-room staff of a restaurant or hotel....

Listen

jovial from 2021-11-25T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 25, 2021 is: jovial \JOH-vee-ul\ adjective
Jovial means "markedly good-humored" and describes people and things that are cheerful or full of jo...

Listen

feign from 2021-11-24T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 24, 2021 is: feign \FAYN\ verb
Feign means "to give a false appearance of something."

// After her mom told her that she will bring he...

Listen

enclave from 2021-11-23T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 23, 2021 is: enclave \EN-klayv\ noun
An enclave is an area inhabited by people who are different in some way from the people in the surrounding...

Listen

roister from 2021-11-22T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 22, 2021 is: roister \ROY-ster\ verb
Roister means "to engage in noisy partying or celebration."

// Fans roistered after their team wo...

Listen

univocal from 2021-11-21T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 21, 2021 is: univocal \yoo-NIV-uh-kul\ adjective
Univocal means "[unambiguous](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unambiguous)"—that is...

Listen

trepidation from 2021-11-20T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 20, 2021 is: trepidation \trep-uh-DAY-shun\ noun
Trepidation is a feeling of fear that causes hesitation because you think that something bad o...

Listen

draconian from 2021-11-19T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 19, 2021 is: draconian \dray-KOH-nee-un\ adjective
Draconian means "cruel" or "severe." It is usually used to describe harsh laws, rules, or re...

Listen

amity from 2021-11-18T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 18, 2021 is: amity \AM-uh-tee\ noun
Amity means "friendship" or "friendly relations between nations."

// Amity between the nations was...

Listen

negotiate from 2021-11-17T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 17, 2021 is: negotiate \nih-GOH-shee-ayt\ verb
Negotiate means "to deal with or bring about through discussion or compromise." It also means, f...

Listen

facetious from 2021-11-16T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 16, 2021 is: facetious \fuh-SEE-shuss\ adjective
Facetious means "joking often inappropriately" or "meant to be humorous or funny." It usually ...

Listen

wormhole from 2021-11-15T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 15, 2021 is: wormhole \WERM-hohl\ noun
A wormhole is a hypothetical structure of [space-time](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space-...

Listen

grisly from 2021-11-14T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 14, 2021 is: grisly \GRIZ-lee\ adjective
Grisly means "causing horror or intense fear."

// The movie is a grisly tale with gruesome sp...

Listen

qualm from 2021-11-13T00:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for November 13, 2021 is: qualm \KWAHM\ noun
Qualm is often used in the plural form qualms for feelings of uneasiness about whether something is right or wr...

Listen

hector from 2021-10-25T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 25, 2021 is: hector \HEK-ter\ verb
Hector means "to criticize or question in a threatening manner."

// The mediator asked the unruly me...

Listen

mirage from 2021-10-24T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 24, 2021 is: mirage \muh-RAHZH\ noun
A mirage is a reflection of light that can trick the mind into interpreting a sight as an apparently solid ...

Listen

bogus from 2021-10-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 23, 2021 is: bogus \BOH-gus\ adjective
Bogus means "not real or genuine"—it is synonymous with [fake](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary...

Listen

devotion from 2021-10-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 22, 2021 is: devotion \dih-VOH-shun\ noun
Devotion means being dedicated or loyal, or expressing dedication or loyalty.

// The organize...

Listen

untoward from 2021-10-21T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 21, 2021 is: untoward \un-TOH-erd\ adjective
Untoward means "unruly, unfavorable, or improper."

// The rules specify that untoward beha...

Listen

batten from 2021-10-20T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 20, 2021 is: batten \BAT-un\ verb
Batten means "to furnish or fasten with or as if with supports."

// Residents battened down their doo...

Listen

nomenclature from 2021-10-19T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 19, 2021 is: nomenclature \NOH-mun-klay-cher\ noun
Nomenclature is most often used for a system of names for things, especially in science.
...

Listen

zaftig from 2021-10-18T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 18, 2021 is: zaftig \ZAHF-tig\ adjective
Zaftig means "having a full, rounded figure"—in other words, "pleasingly plump."

// Portraits ...

Listen

perpetuity from 2021-10-17T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 17, 2021 is: perpetuity \per-puh-TOO-uh-tee\ noun
Perpetuity is a state of continuing forever or for a very long time.

// The property ...

Listen

gossamer from 2021-10-16T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 16, 2021 is: gossamer \GAH-suh-mer\ adjective
Gossamer means "extremely light, delicate, or tenuous."

// Except for a few gossamer clou...

Listen

embellish from 2021-10-15T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 15, 2021 is: embellish \im-BELL-ish\ verb
Embellish means "to make (something) more appealing or attractive with fanciful or decorative details....

Listen

scion from 2021-10-08T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 8, 2021 is: scion \SYE-un\ noun
A scion is an heir or descendant of a wealthy or influential family.

// As scions of the celebrity fami...

Listen

cavalier from 2021-10-07T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 7, 2021 is: cavalier \kav-uh-LEER\ adjective
Cavalier means "having or showing no concern for important or serious matters."

// The com...

Listen

loll from 2021-10-06T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 6, 2021 is: loll \LAHL\ verb
Loll most often means "to droop or hang loosely." It can also mean "to act or move in a relaxed or lazy manner." Listen

intransigent from 2021-10-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 5, 2021 is: intransigent \in-TRAN-suh-junt\ adjective
Intransigent means "characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme positi...

Listen

mettle from 2021-10-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 4, 2021 is: mettle \MET-ul\ noun
Mettle refers to the ability to continue in spite of difficulties.

// The contestants proved their met...

Listen

adroit from 2021-10-03T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 3, 2021 is: adroit \uh-DROYT\ adjective
Adroit means "having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations."

...

Listen

cozen from 2021-10-02T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 2, 2021 is: cozen \KUZ-un\ verb
Cozen means "to deceive, win over, or influence with pleasing words or actions or by trickery."

// Unde...

Listen

vestige from 2021-10-01T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 1, 2021 is: vestige \VESS-tij\ noun
A vestige is a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something lost or vanished.

// The seconds tick...

Listen

filial from 2021-09-30T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 30, 2021 is: filial \FIL-ee-ul\ adjective
Filial means "of, relating to, or befitting a person's child."

// Margaret's sense of filia...

Listen

zest from 2021-09-29T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 29, 2021 is: zest \ZEST\ noun
Zest means "keen enjoyment" or "an enjoyably exciting quality."

// The young couple has a zest for trav...

Listen

parlay from 2021-09-28T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 28, 2021 is: parlay \PAHR-lay\ verb
Parlay means "to turn (something) into something of greater value."

// The young actor parlayed h...

Listen

misbegotten from 2021-09-27T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 27, 2021 is: misbegotten \miss-bih-GAH-tun\ adjective
Misbegotten means "ill-conceived." It can also mean "having an improper origin."
Listen

dedication from 2021-09-26T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 26, 2021 is: dedication \ded-ih-KAY-shun\ noun
Dedication means "devotion or loyalty to a person or cause."

// With great dedication,...

Listen

obtuse from 2021-09-25T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 25, 2021 is: obtuse \ahb-TOOSS\ adjective
Obtuse means "difficult to understand" or "unable to understand what is obvious."

// The at...

Listen

hobnob from 2021-09-24T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 24, 2021 is: hobnob \HAHB-nahb\ verb
Hobnob means "to come or be together as friends."

// Local business owners hobnobbed at the fund...

Listen

chastise from 2021-09-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 23, 2021 is: chastise \chass-TYZE\ verb
Chastise means "to criticize (someone) harshly for doing something wrong."

// The boss eventu...

Listen

inchoate from 2021-09-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 22, 2021 is: inchoate \in-KOH-ut\ adjective
Inchoate means "imperfectly formed or formulated."

// In the podcast, the author describe...

Listen

flehmen from 2021-09-21T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 21, 2021 is: flehmen \FLAY-mun\ noun
Flehmen is a mammalian behavior (as of horses or cats) in which the animal inhales with the mouth open an...

Listen

collude from 2021-09-20T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 20, 2021 is: collude \kuh-LOOD\ verb
Collude means "to conspire or plot."

// The two companies had colluded to keep prices high.
...

Listen

lucid from 2021-09-19T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 19, 2021 is: lucid \LOO-sid\ adjective
Lucid means "very clear and easy to understand."

// The author has a lucid writing style that ...

Listen

vignette from 2021-09-18T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 18, 2021 is: vignette \vin-YET\ noun
A vignette is a short written description or a brief scene in a movie or play.

// The play's pro...

Listen

precarious from 2021-09-17T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 17, 2021 is: precarious \prih-KAIR-ee-us\ adjective
Precarious means "characterized by uncertainty, insecurity, or instability that threatens ...

Listen

exonerate from 2021-09-16T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 16, 2021 is: exonerate \ig-ZAH-nuh-rayt\ verb
Exonerate means "to clear from a charge of wrongdoing or from blame."

// The witness' t...

Listen

tribulation from 2021-09-15T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 15, 2021 is: tribulation \trib-yuh-LAY-shun\ noun
Tribulation, which is often used in the phrase "trials and tribulations," refers to a trying...

Listen

responsive from 2021-09-14T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 14, 2021 is: responsive \rih-SPAHN-siv\ adjective
Responsive means "quick to [respond](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respond#h2) ...

Listen

inflammable from 2021-09-13T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 13, 2021 is: inflammable \in-FLAM-uh-bul\ adjective
Inflammable describes things that can easily catch fire. It also means "easily excited or ...

Listen

adversary from 2021-09-12T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 12, 2021 is: adversary \AD-ver-sair-ee\ noun
Adversary is a word for an enemy or opponent.

// The adversaries met at the negotiating ...

Listen

sedentary from 2021-09-11T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 11, 2021 is: sedentary \SED-un-tair-ee\ adjective
Sedentary describes an activity in which much sitting is involved.

// Editorial wor...

Listen

fulminate from 2021-09-10T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 10, 2021 is: fulminate \FULL-muh-nayt\ verb
Fulminate means "to send forth harsh criticisms or insults."

// The writer of the editori...

Listen

brogue from 2021-09-09T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 9, 2021 is: brogue \BROHG\ noun
A brogue is a low shoe, usually made of leather, with perforations and a wing tip.

// Even though his...

Listen

egregious from 2021-09-08T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 8, 2021 is: egregious \ih-GREE-juss\ adjective
Egregious means "obviously or noticeably bad."

// It is an egregious breach of theater...

Listen

suborn from 2021-09-07T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 7, 2021 is: suborn \suh-BORN\ verb
Suborn means "to persuade (someone) to do something illegal (such as to lie in a court of law)." It can als...

Listen

coiffure from 2021-09-06T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 6, 2021 is: coiffure \kwah-FYUR\ noun
A coiffure is a style or manner of arranging the hair.

// Linda almost didn't recognize her dau...

Listen

adamantine from 2021-09-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 5, 2021 is: adamantine \ad-uh-MAN-teen\ adjective
Adamantine means "rigidly firm" or "unyielding."

// The laws were adamantine and we...

Listen

jeopardize from 2021-09-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 4, 2021 is: jeopardize \JEP-er-dyze\ verb
Jeopardize means "to expose to danger or risk."

// "I'm not willing to jeopardize my friend...

Listen

gasconade from 2021-09-03T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 3, 2021 is: gasconade \gas-kuh-NAYD\ noun
Gasconade is confident talk or behavior that is intended to impress other people.

// After ...

Listen

doff from 2021-09-02T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 2, 2021 is: doff \DAHF\ verb
Doff means "to take off or remove (a hat or a piece of clothing)."

// They doffed their coats when they ...

Listen

regnant from 2021-09-01T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 1, 2021 is: regnant \REG-nunt\ adjective
Regnant means "reigning" or "dominant."

// The regnant kings commanded their armies in the b...

Listen

desultory from 2021-08-31T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 31, 2021 is: desultory \DEH-sul-tor-ee\ adjective
Desultory means "marked by lack of definite plan or purpose."

// After graduation, he ...

Listen

numinous from 2021-08-30T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 30, 2021 is: numinous \NOO-muh-nus\ adjective
Numinous describes things having a mysterious or spiritual quality.

// I was filled with a...

Listen

cryptic from 2021-08-24T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 24, 2021 is: cryptic \KRIP-tik\ adjective
Cryptic refers to something that is difficult to understand or that has or appears to have a hidden mea...

Listen

emigrate from 2021-08-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 23, 2021 is: emigrate \EM-uh-grayt\ verb
Emigrate means "to leave a country or region in order to live somewhere else."

// The author's ...

Listen

liminal from 2021-08-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 22, 2021 is: liminal \LIM-uh-nul\ adjective
Liminal is used to describe something that is barely perceptible or that involves a transitional or i...

Listen

sophistry from 2021-08-21T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 21, 2021 is: sophistry \SAH-fuh-stree\ noun
Sophistry refers to reasoning or arguments that sound correct but which are actually false.

...

Listen

aghast from 2021-08-20T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 20, 2021 is: aghast \uh-GAST\ adjective
Aghast means "shocked and upset."

// Critics were aghast at how awful the play was.

[Se...

Listen

winnow from 2021-08-19T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 19, 2021 is: winnow \WIN-oh\ verb
Winnow can mean "to remove people or things that are less important or desirable" or, generally, "to make a lis...

Listen

defenestration from 2021-08-18T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 18, 2021 is: defenestration \dee-fen-uh-STRAY-shun\ noun
Defenestration originally meant "a throwing of a person or thing out of a window." Today...

Listen

tousle from 2021-08-17T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 17, 2021 is: tousle \TOW-zul\ verb
Tousle means "to make untidy (especially someone's hair)."

// Vic stood in front of the mirror and t...

Listen

bromide from 2021-08-16T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 16, 2021 is: bromide \BROH-myde\ noun
A bromide is a commonplace or hackneyed statement or idea.

// His speech had nothing more to offe...

Listen

undulant from 2021-08-15T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 15, 2021 is: undulant \UN-juh-lunt\ adjective
Undulant describes the rise and fall of waves, or things that move or have a form like waves.
...

Listen

scuttlebutt from 2021-08-14T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 14, 2021 is: scuttlebutt \SKUTT-ul-butt\ noun
Scuttlebutt is an informal noun that refers to rumor or gossip.

// After he retired, Bob r...

Listen

kvell from 2021-08-13T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 13, 2021 is: kvell \KVEL\ verb
Kvell is from Yiddish and means "to be extraordinarily proud."

// The parents kvelled over their daughter...

Listen

callow from 2021-08-12T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 12, 2021 is: callow \KAL-oh\ adjective
Callow means “lacking adult sophistication.” It is used to describe a young person who does not have much ...

Listen

nimrod from 2021-08-11T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 11, 2021 is: nimrod \NIM-rahd\ noun
1 : [hunter](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hunter)

2 : [idiot](https://www.merriam-webs...

Listen

garnish from 2021-08-10T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 10, 2021 is: garnish \GAHR-nish\ verb
1 a : [decorate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decorate), [embellish](https://www.merriam-webs...

Listen

abject from 2021-08-09T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 9, 2021 is: abject \AB-jekt\ adjective
1 : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition : very bad or severe

2 a : cast down in spiri...

Listen

resilience from 2021-08-08T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 8, 2021 is: resilience \rih-ZIL-yunss\ noun
1 : the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after [deformation](https://www.m...

Listen

pink from 2021-08-07T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 7, 2021 is: pink \PINK\ verb
1 a : to [perforate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perforate) in an ornamental pattern

b : to ...

Listen

moot from 2021-08-06T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 6, 2021 is: moot \MOOT\ adjective
1 a : open to question : [debatable](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debatable)

b : subject...

Listen

infix from 2021-08-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 5, 2021 is: infix \IN-fiks\ noun
: a derivational or inflectional [affix](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affix#h2) appearing in the b...

Listen

flexuous from 2021-08-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 4, 2021 is: flexuous \FLEK-shuh-wus\ adjective
1 : having curves, turns, or windings

2 : [lithe](https://www.merriam-webster.com/diction...

Listen

berate from 2021-08-03T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 3, 2021 is: berate \bih-RAYT\ verb
: to scold or condemn vehemently and at length

Examples:

"Don't berate yourself over c...

Listen

exemplary from 2021-08-02T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 2, 2021 is: exemplary \ig-ZEM-pluh-ree\ adjective
1 a : deserving imitation : [commendable](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commend); ...

Listen

pulchritude from 2021-08-01T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 1, 2021 is: pulchritude \PUHL-kruh-tood\ noun
: physical [comeliness](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comeliness)

Example...

Listen

dally from 2021-07-31T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 31, 2021 is: dally \DAL-ee\ verb
1 a : to act playfully; especially : to play amorously

b : to deal lightly : [toy](https://www.merriam-we...

Listen

wherefore from 2021-07-30T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 30, 2021 is: wherefore \WAIR-for\ adverb
1 : for what reason or purpose : [why](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/why)

2 : [there...

Listen

palaver from 2021-07-29T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 29, 2021 is: palaver \puh-LAV-er\ noun
1 a : a long discussion or meeting [parley](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parley#h2) usually be...

Listen

expropriate from 2021-07-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 23, 2021 is: expropriate \ek-SPROH-pree-ayt\ verb
1 : to deprive of possession or proprietary rights

2 : to transfer (the property of anot...

Listen

guttural from 2021-07-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 22, 2021 is: guttural \GUTT-uh-rul\ adjective
1 : articulated in the throat

2 : [velar](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/velar)<...

Listen

receipt from 2021-07-21T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 21, 2021 is: receipt \rih-SEET\ noun
1 a : a writing acknowledging the receiving of goods or money

b receipts, plural, informal : [proof](...

Listen

attenuate from 2021-07-20T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 20, 2021 is: attenuate \uh-TEN-yuh-wayt\ verb
1 : to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of : [weaken](https://www.merriam-webster.com/di...

Listen

capricious from 2021-07-19T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 19, 2021 is: capricious \kuh-PRISH-us\ adjective
: governed or characterized by [caprice](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caprice) : [im...

Listen

parry from 2021-07-18T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 18, 2021 is: parry \PAIR-ee\ verb
1 : to [ward off](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ward%20off) (something, such as a weapon or blow) Listen

torpor from 2021-07-17T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 17, 2021 is: torpor \TOR-per\ noun
1 a : a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility

b : a state of lowered...

Listen

omniscient from 2021-07-16T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 16, 2021 is: omniscient \ahm-NISH-unt\ adjective
1 : having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight

2 : possessed of universal or c...

Listen

flounder from 2021-07-15T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 15, 2021 is: flounder \FLOUN-der\ verb
1 : to struggle to move or obtain footing : thrash about wildly

2 : to proceed or act clumsily or i...

Listen

shibboleth from 2021-07-14T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 14, 2021 is: shibboleth \SHIB-uh-luth\ noun
1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as ...

Listen

ruthless from 2021-07-13T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 13, 2021 is: ruthless \ROOTH-lus\ adjective
: having no pity : [merciless](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merciless), [cruel](https://w...

Listen

emprise from 2021-07-12T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 12, 2021 is: emprise \em-PRYZE\ noun
: an adventurous, daring, or chivalric enterprise

Examples:

"But perhaps he was the on...

Listen

nonplus from 2021-07-11T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 11, 2021 is: nonplus \nahn-PLUS\ verb
: to cause to be at a loss as to what to say, think, or do : [perplex](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictio...

Listen

quondam from 2021-07-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 5, 2021 is: quondam \KWAHN-dum\ adjective
: [former](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/former), [sometime](https://www.merriam-webster.com...

Listen

patriot from 2021-07-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 4, 2021 is: patriot \PAY-tree-ut\ noun
: one who loves and supports his or her country

Examples:

"He had never been a very ...

Listen

inimical from 2021-07-03T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 3, 2021 is: inimical \ih-NIM-ih-kul\ adjective
1 : being [adverse](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adverse) often by reason of hostility...

Listen

gormandize from 2021-07-02T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 2, 2021 is: gormandize \GOR-mun-dyze\ verb
: to eat greedily, [gluttonously](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gluttonously), or [ravenous...

Listen

bijou from 2021-07-01T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 1, 2021 is: bijou \BEE-zhoo\ noun
1 : a small dainty usually ornamental piece of delicate workmanship : [jewel](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dic...

Listen

hale from 2021-06-30T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 30, 2021 is: hale \HAIL\ adjective
: free from defect, disease, or infirmity : [sound](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound#h3); also :...

Listen

oaf from 2021-06-29T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 29, 2021 is: oaf \OHF\ noun
1 : a stupid person : [boob](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boob)

2 : a big clumsy slow-witted per...

Listen

whilom from 2021-06-28T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 28, 2021 is: whilom \WYE-lum\ adjective
: [former](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/former)

Examples:

"On the eas...

Listen

desiccate from 2021-06-27T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 27, 2021 is: desiccate \DESS-ih-kayt\ verb
1 : to dry up or become dried up

2 : to preserve (a food) by drying : [dehydrate](https://www.m...

Listen

thesaurus from 2021-06-26T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 26, 2021 is: thesaurus \thih-SOR-us\ noun
1 a : a book of words or of information about a particular field or set of concepts; especially : a book ...

Listen

affluent from 2021-06-25T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 25, 2021 is: affluent \AF-loo-unt\ adjective
1 : having an abundance of goods or riches : [wealthy](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wea...

Listen

forswear from 2021-06-24T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 24, 2021 is: forswear \for-SWAIR\ verb
1 : to make a liar of (oneself) under or as if under oath

2 a : to reject or [renounce](https://www...

Listen

emeritus from 2021-06-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 23, 2021 is: emeritus \ih-MEH-ruh-tus\ adjective
1 : holding after retirement an honorary title corresponding to that held last during active servi...

Listen

miasma from 2021-06-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 22, 2021 is: miasma \mye-AZ-muh\ noun
1 : a vaporous [exhalation](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhalation) formerly believed to cause...

Listen

inveigle from 2021-06-21T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 21, 2021 is: inveigle \in-VAY-gul\ verb
1 : to win over by [wiles](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wile) : [entice](https://www.merriam-w...

Listen

progeny from 2021-06-20T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 20, 2021 is: progeny \PRAH-juh-nee\ noun
1 a : [descendants](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/descendants#h2), [children](https://www.mer...

Listen

abrupt from 2021-06-19T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 19, 2021 is: abrupt \uh-BRUPT\ adjective
1 a : characterized by or involving action or change without preparation or warning : sudden and unexpecte...

Listen

harry from 2021-06-17T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 17, 2021 is: harry \HAIR-ee\ verb
1 : to make a pillaging or destructive raid on : [assault](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault#h2)...

Listen

jocund from 2021-06-16T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 16, 2021 is: jocund \JAH-kund\ adjective
: marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness

Examples:

"'Get ...

Listen

fealty from 2021-06-15T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 15, 2021 is: fealty \FEE-ul-tee\ noun
1 a : the fidelity of a vassal or feudal tenant to his lord

b : the obligation of such fidelity Listen

deride from 2021-06-14T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 14, 2021 is: deride \dih-RYDE\ verb
1 : to laugh at or insult contemptuously

2 : to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule or ...

Listen

titanic from 2021-06-13T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 13, 2021 is: titanic \tye-TAN-ik\ adjective
: having great magnitude, force, or power : [colossal](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colos...

Listen

virtuoso from 2021-06-12T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 12, 2021 is: virtuoso \ver-choo-OH-soh\ noun
1 : one who excels in the technique of an art; especially : a highly skilled musical performer (as on ...

Listen

poignant from 2021-06-11T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 11, 2021 is: poignant \POY-nyunt\ adjective
1 a : painfully affecting the feelings : [piercing](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piercing...

Listen

majuscule from 2021-06-10T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 10, 2021 is: majuscule \MAJ-uh-skyool\ noun
: a large letter (such as a capital)

Examples:

"At least the random emphatic ma...

Listen

enjoin from 2021-06-09T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 9, 2021 is: enjoin \in-JOIN\ verb
1 : to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition

2 a : [forbid](https://www.merr...

Listen

bumptious from 2021-06-08T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 8, 2021 is: bumptious \BUMP-shus\ adjective
: presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive : [obtrusive](https://www.merriam-webster....

Listen

solipsism from 2021-06-07T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 7, 2021 is: solipsism \SOH-lip-sih-zum\ noun
: a theory holding that the self can know nothing but its own modifications and that the self is the o...

Listen

glean from 2021-06-06T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 6, 2021 is: glean \GLEEN\ verb
1 : to gather grain or other produce left by reapers

2 : to gather information or material bit by bit
<...

Listen

didactic from 2021-06-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 5, 2021 is: didactic \dye-DAK-tik\ adjective
1 a : designed or intended to teach

b : intended to convey instruction and information as wel...

Listen

rigmarole from 2021-06-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 4, 2021 is: rigmarole \RIG-uh-muh-rol\ noun
1 : confused or meaningless talk

2 : a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure
Listen

peach from 2021-06-03T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 3, 2021 is: peach \PEECH\ verb
1 :  to inform against : [betray](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betray)

2 :  to turn informer ...

Listen

colleague from 2021-06-02T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 2, 2021 is: colleague \KAH-leeg\ noun
: an associate or coworker typically in a profession or in a civil or ecclesiastical office and often of simi...

Listen

anfractuous from 2021-06-01T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 1, 2021 is: anfractuous \an-FRAK-chuh-wus\ adjective
: full of windings and intricate turnings : [tortuous](https://www.merriam-webster.com/diction...

Listen

elegiac from 2021-05-31T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 31, 2021 is: elegiac \el-uh-JYE-ak\ adjective
1 a : of, relating to, or consisting of two [dactylic](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dact...

Listen

nettle from 2021-05-30T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 30, 2021 is: nettle \NET-ul\ verb
1 : to strike or sting with or as if with [nettles](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nettle)

2 ...

Listen

inroad from 2021-05-29T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 29, 2021 is: inroad \IN-rohd\ noun
1 : an advance or penetration often at the expense of someone or something — usually used in plural

2 : ...

Listen

lymphatic from 2021-05-28T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 28, 2021 is: lymphatic \lim-FAT-ik\ adjective
1 a : of, relating to, or produced by [lymph](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lymph), [lymp...

Listen

flotilla from 2021-05-27T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 27, 2021 is: flotilla \floh-TILL-uh\ noun
1 : a fleet of ships or boats; especially : a navy organizational unit consisting of two or more [squadron...

Listen

desolate from 2021-05-26T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 26, 2021 is: desolate \DESS-uh-lut\ adjective
1 : [devoid](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devoid) of inhabitants and visitors : [deserte...

Listen

bumbershoot from 2021-05-25T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 25, 2021 is: bumbershoot \BUM-ber-shoot\ noun
: [umbrella](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbrella#h1)

Examples:

Listen

chouse from 2021-05-24T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 24, 2021 is: chouse \CHOWSS\ verb
: [cheat](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheat), [trick](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tr...

Listen

gadfly from 2021-05-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 23, 2021 is: gadfly \GAD-flye\ noun
1 : any of various flies (such as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy [livestock](https://www....

Listen

heliacal from 2021-05-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 22, 2021 is: heliacal \hih-LYE-uh-kul\ adjective
: relating to or near the sun — used especially of the last setting of a star before and its first ...

Listen

altruism from 2021-05-21T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 21, 2021 is: altruism \AL-troo-iz-um\ noun
1 : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others

2 : behavior by an animal that is ...

Listen

blithesome from 2021-05-14T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 14, 2021 is: blithesome \BLIGHTH-sum\ adjective
: with lightheartedness or unconcern : [gay](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gay), [merry...

Listen

exhilarate from 2021-05-13T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 13, 2021 is: exhilarate \ig-ZIL-uh-rayt\ verb
: to make (someone) very happy and excited or elated

Examples:

"To be working,...

Listen

veracity from 2021-05-12T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 12, 2021 is: veracity \vuh-RASS-uh-tee\ noun
1 : [conformity](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conformity) with truth or fact : [accuracy]...

Listen

importunate from 2021-05-11T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 11, 2021 is: importunate \im-POR-chuh-nut\ adjective
1 : troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand

2 : [troublesome](ht...

Listen

shrive from 2021-05-10T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 10, 2021 is: shrive \SHRYVE\ verb
1 : to administer the sacrament of [reconciliation](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconciliation?show=...

Listen

paean from 2021-05-09T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 9, 2021 is: paean \PEE-un\ noun
1 : a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph

2 : a work that praises or honors it...

Listen

frugal from 2021-05-08T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 8, 2021 is: frugal \FROO-gul\ adjective
: characterized by or reflecting [economy](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economy#h1) in the use...

Listen

archipelago from 2021-05-07T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 7, 2021 is: archipelago \ahr-kuh-PEL-uh-goh\ noun
1 : an expanse of water with many scattered islands

2 : a group of islands

3 : s...

Listen

deep-six from 2021-05-06T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 6, 2021 is: deep-six \DEEP-SIKS\ verb
1 : to get rid of : [discard](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discard), [eliminate](https://www.mer...

Listen

sprightly from 2021-05-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 5, 2021 is: sprightly \SPRYTE-lee\ adjective
1 : marked by a gay lightness and vivacity : [spirited](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spir...

Listen

succumb from 2021-05-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 4, 2021 is: succumb \suh-KUM\ verb
1 : to yield to superior strength or force or overpowering appeal or desire

2 : to be brought to an end ...

Listen

conciliatory from 2021-05-03T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 3, 2021 is: conciliatory \kun-SILL-yuh-tor-ee\ adjective
: tending to win over from a state of hostility or distrust : intended to gain the goodwill...

Listen

abjure from 2021-05-02T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 2, 2021 is: abjure \ab-JOOR\ verb
1 formal a : to renounce upon oath

b : to reject solemnly

2 formal : to abstain from : [avoid](h...

Listen

fustian from 2021-05-01T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 1, 2021 is: fustian \FUSS-chun\ noun
1 a : a strong cotton and linen fabric

b : a class of cotton fabrics usually having a [pile](https://w...

Listen

dross from 2021-04-30T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 30, 2021 is: dross \DRAHSS\ noun
1 : the scum or unwanted material that forms on the surface of [molten](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionar...

Listen

amicable from 2021-04-29T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 29, 2021 is: amicable \AM-ih-kuh-bul\ adjective
: characterized by friendly [goodwill](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/goodwill) : [pe...

Listen

herald from 2021-04-28T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 28, 2021 is: herald \HAIR-uld\ verb
1 : to give notice of : [announce](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/announce)

2 a : to gree...

Listen

rococo from 2021-04-27T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 27, 2021 is: rococo \ruh-KOH-koh\ adjective
1 a : of or relating to an artistic style especially of the 18th century characterized by fanciful cur...

Listen

epicure from 2021-04-26T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 26, 2021 is: epicure \EP-ih-kyur\ noun
: one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine

Examples:

Listen

clandestine from 2021-04-25T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 25, 2021 is: clandestine \klan-DESS-tun\ adjective
: marked by, held in, or conducted with [secrecy](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/se...

Listen

impresario from 2021-04-24T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 24, 2021 is: impresario \im-pruh-SAHR-ee-oh\ noun
1 : the promoter, manager, or conductor of an opera or concert company

2 : a person who...

Listen

discomfit from 2021-04-14T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 14, 2021 is: discomfit \diss-KUM-fit\ verb
1 : to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment : [disconcert](http://www.merriam-webster.com/d...

Listen

minatory from 2021-04-13T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 13, 2021 is: minatory \MIN-uh-tor-ee\ adjective
: having a menacing quality

Examples:

"Then the squirrel seemed to notice ...

Listen

gallant from 2021-04-12T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 12, 2021 is: gallant \GAL-unt\ adjective
1 : showy in dress or bearing : [smart](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smart)

2 a : ...

Listen

drub from 2021-04-11T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 11, 2021 is: drub \DRUB\ verb
1 : to beat severely

2 : to [berate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/berate) critically

Listen

fatuous from 2021-04-10T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 10, 2021 is: fatuous \FATCH-oo-us\ adjective
: complacently or inanely foolish : [silly](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silly)
...

Listen

vendetta from 2021-04-09T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 9, 2021 is: vendetta \ven-DET-uh\ noun
1 : a feud between different clans or families : [blood feud](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bl...

Listen

savvy from 2021-04-08T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 8, 2021 is: savvy \SAV-ee\ verb
: to [understand](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understand)

Examples:

"The ag...

Listen

brusque from 2021-04-07T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 7, 2021 is: brusque \BRUSK\ adjective
1 : markedly short and abrupt

2 : blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshn...

Listen

hoosegow from 2021-04-06T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 6, 2021 is: hoosegow \HOOSS-gow\ noun
US, informal + humorous : [jail](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jail)

Examples:
Listen

reputation from 2021-04-05T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 5, 2021 is: reputation \rep-yuh-TAY-shun\ noun
1 a : overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

b : recognition ...

Listen

hare from 2021-04-04T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 4, 2021 is: hare \HAIR\ verb
: to go swiftly : [tear](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tear#h1)

Examples:

"I was...

Listen

moxie from 2021-04-03T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 3, 2021 is: moxie \MAHK-see\ noun
1 : [energy](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/energy), [pep](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionar...

Listen

pertain from 2021-04-02T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 2, 2021 is: pertain \per-TAYN\ verb
1 a (1) : to belong as a part, member, accessory, or product 

(2) : to belong as an attribute, featur...

Listen

wigged-out from 2021-04-01T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 1, 2021 is: wigged-out \WIGD-OUT\ adjective
: mentally or emotionally discomposed : [upset](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upset), [cr...

Listen

foist from 2021-03-31T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 31, 2021 is: foist \FOIST\ verb
1 a : to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant

b : to force another to accept especially...

Listen

alacrity from 2021-03-30T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 30, 2021 is: alacrity \uh-LAK-ruh-tee\ noun
: promptness in response : cheerful readiness

Examples:

"Tom gave up the brush...

Listen

diffident from 2021-03-29T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 29, 2021 is: diffident \DIF-uh-dunt\ adjective
1 : [hesitant](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hesitant) in acting or speaking through l...

Listen

exodus from 2021-03-28T03:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 28, 2021 is: exodus \EK-suh-dus\ noun
1 capitalized : the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture

2 : a ...

Listen

reminisce from 2021-03-27T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 27, 2021 is: reminisce \rem-uh-NISS\ verb
: to indulge in the process or practice of thinking or telling about past experiences

Examp...

Listen

sesquipedalian from 2021-03-26T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 26, 2021 is: sesquipedalian \sess-kwuh-puh-DAIL-yun\ adjective
1 : having many syllables : [long](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long)...

Listen

hobbit from 2021-03-25T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 25, 2021 is: hobbit \HAH-bit\ noun
: a member of a fictitious peaceful and genial race of small humanlike creatures that dwell underground
...

Listen

quash from 2021-03-24T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 24, 2021 is: quash \KWAHSH\ verb
: to nullify especially by judicial action

Examples:

"His appeal [of a zoning decision al...

Listen

jurisprudence from 2021-03-23T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 23, 2021 is: jurisprudence \joor-us-PROO-dunss\ noun
1 : the science or philosophy of law

2 a : a system or body of law

b : the ...

Listen

inimitable from 2021-03-22T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 22, 2021 is: inimitable \in-IM-it-uh-bul\ adjective
: not capable of being imitated : [matchless](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/match...

Listen

cannibalize from 2021-03-21T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 21, 2021 is: cannibalize \KAN-uh-buh-lyze\ verb
1 a : to take salvageable parts from (something, such as a disabled machine) for use in building o...

Listen

equinox from 2021-03-20T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 20, 2021 is: equinox \EE-kwuh-nahks\ noun
1 : either of the two points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator intersects the [eclipti...

Listen

prevaricate from 2021-03-19T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 19, 2021 is: prevaricate \prih-VAIR-uh-kayt\ verb
: to deviate from the truth : [equivocate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equivocate...

Listen

fiscal from 2021-03-18T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 18, 2021 is: fiscal \FISS-kul\ adjective
1 : of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt

2 : of or relating to financial ...

Listen

blarney from 2021-03-17T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 17, 2021 is: blarney \BLAR-nee\ noun
1 : skillful flattery : [blandishment](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blandishment)

2 : ...

Listen

replete from 2021-03-16T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 16, 2021 is: replete \rih-PLEET\ adjective
1 : fully or abundantly provided or filled

2 a : abundantly fed

b : [fat](https://www...

Listen

circumlocution from 2021-03-15T02:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 15, 2021 is: circumlocution \ser-kum-loh-KYOO-shun\ noun
1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea

2 : eva...

Listen

abhor from 2021-03-05T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 5, 2021 is: abhor \ub-HOR\ verb
: to regard with extreme [repugnance](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repugnance) : to feel hatred or [...

Listen

smorgasbord from 2021-03-04T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 4, 2021 is: smorgasbord \SMOR-gus-bord\ noun
1 : a luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of foods and dishes (such as hors d'oeuvres, hot a...

Listen

contaminate from 2021-03-03T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 3, 2021 is: contaminate \kun-TAM-uh-nayt\ verb
1 a : to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association

b : to make inferior or...

Listen

organoleptic from 2021-03-02T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 2, 2021 is: organoleptic \or-guh-noh-LEP-tik\ adjective
1 : being, affecting, or relating to qualities (such as taste, color, odor, and feel) of a...

Listen

gazette from 2021-03-01T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 1, 2021 is: gazette \guh-ZET\ noun
1 : a paper that is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly and that contains news, articles of opinion...

Listen

deference from 2021-02-28T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 28, 2021 is: deference \DEF-uh-runss\ noun
: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also : affected or [ingratiating](https://www.merri...

Listen

turbid from 2021-02-27T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 27, 2021 is: turbid \TER-bid\ adjective
1 a : thick or opaque with or as with roiled sediment

b : heavy with smoke or mist

2 ...

Listen

megillah from 2021-02-26T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 26, 2021 is: megillah \muh-GHIL-uh\ noun
1 slang : a long involved story or account

2 slang a : an elaborate, complicated production o...

Listen

slipshod from 2021-02-25T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 25, 2021 is: slipshod \SLIP-SHAHD\ adjective
1 a : wearing loose shoes or slippers

b : [down at the heel](https://www.merriam-webster....

Listen

fathom from 2021-02-24T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 24, 2021 is: fathom \FA-thum\ verb
1 : to make a searching exploratory investigation : [probe](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probe...

Listen

habeas corpus from 2021-02-23T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 23, 2021 is: habeas corpus \HAY-bee-us-KOR-pus\ noun
1 : any of several [common-law](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common-law) [wr...

Listen

retarget from 2021-02-22T01:00:01

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for February 22, 2021 is: retarget \\ree-TAHR-gut\\ verb
: to direct (something) toward a different [target](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/targ...

Listen

homologate from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 17, 2020 is: homologate \hoh-MAH-luh-gayt\ verb : [sanction](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanction), [allow](https://www.merriam-webst...

Listen

futile from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 16, 2020 is: futile \FYOO-tul\ adjective 1 : serving no useful purpose : completely [ineffective](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ineffec...

Listen

kiln from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 15, 2020 is: kiln \KILN\ noun : an oven, furnace, or heated enclosure used for processing a substance by burning, firing, or drying Examples: ...

Listen

benefic from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 14, 2020 is: benefic \buh-NEF-ik\ adjective : producing good or helpful results or effects : [beneficent](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary...

Listen

usurp from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 13, 2020 is: usurp \yoo-SERP\ verb 1 a : to seize and hold (office, place, functions, powers, etc.) in possession by force or without right b : to ...

Listen

mythomania from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 12, 2020 is: mythomania \mith-uh-MAY-nee-uh\ noun : an excessive or abnormal propensity for lying and exaggerating Examples: The idea of tru...

Listen

shill from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 11, 2020 is: shill \SHIL\ verb 1 : to act as a decoy especially for a gambler or pitchman 2 : to act as a spokesperson or promoter Examples: ...

Listen

pertinacious from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 10, 2020 is: pertinacious \per-tuh-NAY-shus\ adjective 1 a : adhering resolutely to an opinion, purpose, or design b : perversely persistent 2 : s...

Listen

leitmotif from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 9, 2020 is: leitmotif \LYTE-moh-teef\ noun 1 : a melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation in a mu...

Listen

collogue from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 8, 2020 is: collogue \kuh-LOHG\ verb 1 dialect : [intrigue](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrigue#h2), [conspire](https://www.merriam-...

Listen

appreciable from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 5, 2020 is: appreciable \uh-PREE-shuh-bul\ adjective : capable of being perceived or measured Examples: "In fact, frozen water molecules det...

Listen

meliorism from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 4, 2020 is: meliorism \MEE-lee-uh-riz-um\ noun : the belief that the world tends to improve and that humans can aid its betterment Examples: ...

Listen

enhance from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 3, 2020 is: enhance \in-HANSS\ verb : [heighten](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heighten), [increase](https://www.merriam-webster.com/di...

Listen

pachyderm from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 2, 2020 is: pachyderm \PAK-ih-derm\ noun : any of various [nonruminant](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonruminant) mammals (such as an ...

Listen

inordinate from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 1, 2020 is: inordinate \in-OR-dun-ut\ adjective 1 : exceeding reasonable limits : [immoderate](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immoderate...

Listen

sinuous from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 30, 2020 is: sinuous \SIN-yuh-wus\ adjective 1 a : of a serpentine or wavy form : [winding](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winding#h2)...

Listen

gauntlet from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 29, 2020 is: gauntlet \GAWNT-lut\ noun 1 : a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand 2 : any of various protective gloves used especia...

Listen

abstain from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 28, 2020 is: abstain \ub-STAYN\ verb 1 : to choose not to do or have something : to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of [self-denial]...

Listen

rambunctious from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 27, 2020 is: rambunctious \ram-BUNK-shuss\ adjective : marked by uncontrollable [exuberance](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exuberance)...

Listen

emollient from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 26, 2020 is: emollient \ih-MAHL-yunt\ noun : something that softens or soothes Examples: "It was a nasal emollient called Ponaris. It was ...

Listen