word-lore

or word·lore

[ wurd-lawr, -lohr ]
/ ˈwɜrdˌlɔr, -ˌloʊr /

noun

a study of words and derivations.
the vocabulary of a particular language and the history of its words.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of word-lore

First recorded in 1865–70

Words nearby word-lore

word to the wise, a, word wrap, word wrapping, word-blind, word-hoard, word-lore, word-perfect, wordage, wordbook, wordbreak, worde
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for word-lore

  • The writer on word-lore must of necessity build on what has already been done, happy if he can add a few bricks to the edifice.

    The Romance of Words (4th ed.)|Ernest Weekley

  • In word-lore, as in other sciences, it is seldom safe to lay down the law without a little conscientious "hedging."

    The Romance of Words (4th ed.)|Ernest Weekley