News from November 7–November 13, 2026
Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it’s unfolding. Stories about dinosaur blood, a chicken superstition, and the end of the Cybertruck all contributed to the vocabulary from this week’s news.
circulation
noun: the lending of library books and other materials
From the headlines: Libraries in major U.S. cities are reporting increased circulation as households look for ways to save money. Patrons are borrowing more books and making greater use of free digital offerings, including audiobooks, periodicals, and movies. With polls showing that many Americans have cut back on nonessential spending, libraries are also seeing a rise in new card sign-ups.
demise
noun: termination of existence or operation
From the headlines: Tesla announced that it would end production of the Cybertruck by the end of summer 2027. The distinctively angular, stainless-steel vehicle first went on sale three years ago. Sluggish sales fell far short of Tesla’s original goal of producing 250,000 Cybertrucks annually. Despite the company’s ambitious plans, only about 20,000 were sold in 2025. The Cybertruck’s demise will allow Tesla to refocus production capacity on its Cybercab robotaxi.
dengue
noun: an infectious fever characterized by severe pains in the joints and muscles
From the headlines: Florida is experiencing an unusually large outbreak of locally acquired dengue infections. The outbreak has claimed at least one life: Tampa resident Gay Small, who contracted the mosquito-borne illness and died on September 4, just days after developing a high fever, body aches, and a tremor. Her death has drawn renewed attention amid November news reports on the growing outbreak, which has infected hundreds of Floridians and raised concerns about the disease’s continued spread in the continental U.S.
garment
noun: an article of clothing
From the headlines: Bangladesh agreed to raise the minimum wage for garment workers after protests disrupted production at hundreds of factories. The country is the world’s second-largest clothing exporter, supplying major brands including H&M, Gap, and Zara. Garment factory employees currently earn about $100 a month, though officials have not yet announced how large the pay increase will be.
greenwashing
noun: promoting a campaign or mission as environmentally friendly to distract from something undesirable
From the headlines: Indian environmentalists accused the government of greenwashing after the Supreme Court ruled that only environmentally friendly fireworks could be used in Delhi during Diwali. The city’s poor air quality is made worse every year by fireworks emitting soot, dust, and heavy metals, and “green” versions are designed to produce fewer emissions than conventional fireworks. However, environmentalists said similar rules have historically lacked enforcement and argue that the government is prioritizing appearances over meaningful action on air pollution.
hemoglobin
noun: a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen
From the headlines: Researchers found evidence of red blood cells inside a dinosaur bone. A recent study suggested that fossilized cells from Aratasaurus museunacionali — a Cretaceous Period carnivore — contained chemical signs of hemoglobin, the protein that gives blood its red color. Some paleontologists remain skeptical about the findings, awaiting further research. If confirmed, this discovery could challenge assumptions about how long biological material can survive in fossils and offer scientists a new way to study the biology of long-extinct creatures like dinosaurs.
jinx
verb: curse or bring back luck
From the headlines: A Bangkok surgeon put a notorious hospital superstition to the test in a randomized controlled trial spanning 345 shifts. Many Thai healthcare workers believe eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) can jinx a shift by making it unusually busy or causing it to run overtime. Dr. Thanat Tantinam observed staff falling into three groups: those who ate KFC, those who ate another brand of chicken, and those who ate no chicken at all. The doctor found no evidence of a curse, yet the belief still persists at his hospital.
papal
adjective: of or relating to the pope or the papacy
From the headlines: Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan had a brief papal audience at the Vatican between Italian concert dates. Pope Leo XIV is a known Dylan fan, having quoted one of his protest songs in his book Disarmed and Disarming: Peace Is a Gift. During the visit, the pontiff gave Dylan a rosary and received a copy of the singer’s autobiography in return.
pecuniary
adjective: of or relating to money
From the headlines: Climate experts say a major topic at this week’s UN climate conference will be the growing use of sustainable energy technologies as they become the most affordable option. The pecuniary case for switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy has become stronger since the energy crisis caused by the war in Iran. Wind and solar are increasingly seen as cheaper alternatives to oil and gas.
provisional
adjective: existing only until permanently or properly replaced
From the headlines: With only weeks remaining in the 119th Congress, lawmakers are turning their attention to preventing a government shutdown by extending the provisional funding measure that expires December 11. Rather than approving a full-year spending package, Congress is expected to pass another extension, known as a continuing resolution, to keep federal agencies operating into the new year.
