neologism

American  

[nee-ol-uh-jiz-uhm] / niˈɒl əˌdʒɪz əm /

noun

1. a new word, meaning, usage, or phrase.

2. the introduction or use of new words or new senses of existing words.

3. a new doctrine, especially a new interpretation of sacred writings.

4. Psychiatry. a new word, often consisting of a combination of other words, that is understood only by the speaker: occurring most often in the speech of schizophrenics.

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neologism British  

/ ˌnɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, nɪˈɒləˌdʒɪzəm /

noun

1. a newly coined word, or a phrase or familiar word used in a new sense

2. the practice of using or introducing neologisms

3. rare a tendency towards adopting new views, esp rationalist views, in matters of religion

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Other Word Forms

• neologist
  noun
• neologistic
  adjective
• neologistical
  adjective
• neologistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of neologism

From the French word néologisme, dating back to 1790–1800. See neology, -ism

Explanation

A neologism is a made-up or new word. Neologisms can be fun-ti-ful, but the problem is making sure others understand what you mean. The word neologism was once a neologism itself. It was created by gluing the prefix neo-, "new," onto the Greek root logos or "word." People coin neologisms all the time, linguists track which ones stick, and eventually, we all feel they're old friends. Or maybe not: random samples from words coined in 2003 include: adultolescence, pastability, pre-zactly, and neomaxizoomdweebie.

Example Sentences

Now that the company has tasted stock market riches, is it on the fast track to enshittification, that perfect neologism for the way profit maximization inevitably ruins everything good online?

From Slate • Dec. 27, 2024

Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso” “Me espresso” may end up the year’s best pop neologism — but let’s not overlook the linguistic invention in “Walked in and dream-came-true’d it for you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2024

The caffeinated drink of the summer isn’t cold brew or iced matcha — it’s “me espresso,” a weird and strangely brilliant neologism coined by the pop singer Sabrina Carpenter in her ascendant hit “Espresso.”

From New York Times • May 22, 2024

The psychological neologism can range in meaning from the feeling of anticipated loss to outright trauma from climate change.

From Washington Times • Feb. 19, 2023

My father says he is a nauseating commercial neologism.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood