Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

acquisitive

Discover the meaning and origins of acquisitive, a term for those with a strong desire to gain and possess more.

semiquincentennial

Celebrate a 250th anniversary by learning the history and etymology of the word semiquincentennial.

corrode

Discover the chemical and figurative power of corrode, a word that traces its roots back to gnawing and decay.

sagacious

Learn the history and usage of sagacious, a formal term for someone who displays keen and discerning judgment.

nabob

Discover the history of nabob, a term for a wealthy person that gained notoriety through political speech.

bereft

Bereft describes being deprived, robbed, or lacking something, with roots tracing back to the verb bereave.

umami

Discover the origins and science behind umami, the savory fifth taste found in foods like mushrooms and cheese.

gainsay

Learn the meaning of gainsay, a formal verb used to deny, disagree with, or contradict something.

oracular

Unlock the meaning of oracular, a formal term for prophetic wisdom or authoritative pronouncements.

symbiosis

Explore the meaning of symbiosis, a term for the dependent relationships found in both nature and human connection.

jaundiced

Discover how the term jaundiced evolved from a medical condition of excess bile to describing cynical hostility.

jaundiced

Discover how a seventeenth-century medical term for yellow bile evolved to describe a sour or distrustful attitude.

pantheon

Explore the history of pantheon, from its roots as an ancient Roman temple to its modern meaning as a group of icons.

quail

To quail means to feel or show fear, often by shrinking or cowering, rather than just trembling in place.

cavalcade

Trace the equestrian roots of cavalcade, a term for grand processions and any series of related things.

assiduous

Discover how assiduous captures the spirit of tireless persistence and the effort of staying with a task.

longueur

Longueur describes the boring, tedious passages found in books, plays, or other creative works.

indomitable

Master the meaning and etymology of indomitable, a formal term for something impossible to defeat or discourage.

acquiesce

Learn how to use the formal verb acquiesce, which means to comply quietly or accept something without protest.

wifty

Discover the origins of wifty, a charming adjective used to describe someone who is eccentrically silly or ditzy.