1880–85; vol, representing world + -a- connecting vowel + pük, representing speak
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Though “conlangs” are not a new phenomenon—Esperanto and Volapük were 19th-century examples—they have exploded since 1990.
From Slate • Oct. 30, 2019
According to its own Wikipedia page, it has 17 million entries in more than 250 languages—including 118,000 in Volapük.
From BusinessWeek • Jan. 6, 2011
Schleyer does not propose that Volapük shall supercede any living language.
From Buchanan's Journal of Man, August 1887 Volume 1, Number 7 by Buchanan, Joseph R. (Joseph Rodes)
The striking success of Volapük and Esperanto in gaining, within a few years of publication, many thousands of ardent supporters has also been a revelation.
From International Language Past, Present and Future: With Specimens of Esperanto and Grammar by Clark, Walter John
The reason why they have been somewhat backward hitherto in the Esperanto movement is no doubt their disappointment at the failure of Volapük, which they had done much to promote.
From International Language Past, Present and Future: With Specimens of Esperanto and Grammar by Clark, Walter John
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
