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Word of the day

doodad

[ doo-dad ] [ ˈduˌdæd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a gadget or device

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Why Dictionary.com chose doodad

More about doodad

  • First recorded in 1900–05.
  • Of obscure origin; possibly related dad³, meaning “a slice, lump, or portion” or influenced by doohickey.

EXAMPLES OF DOODAD

  • Jamie stayed up all night tinkering with a new doodad for translating cat meows.
  • This kitchen doodad makes only one thing: quesadillas.
20240103
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Word of the day

jubilate

[ joo-buh-leyt ] [ ˈdʒu bəˌleɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to show or feel great joy

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Why Dictionary.com chose jubilate

More about jubilate

  • First recorded in 1595–1605.
  • From Latin jūbilāre, meaning “to shout for joy.”

EXAMPLES OF JUBILATE

  • The entire office began to jubilate after office-wide raises were announced.
  • Fireworks lit the sky while the crowd jubilated below.
20240103
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Word of the day

exculpatory

[ ik-skuhl-puh-tawr-ee ] [ ɪkˈskʌl pəˌtɔr i ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt

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Why Dictionary.com chose exculpatory

More about exculpatory

  • First recorded in 1770–80.
  • Combines exculpate, from Latin exculpātus, meaning “free from blame,” + -ory¹.
  • Shares the same Latin root as culpable.

EXAMPLES OF EXCULPATORY

  • The lawyer presented exculpatory evidence that cast doubt on the defendant’s testimony.
  • The DNA results from the crime scene were exculpatory, ruling out the accused as the perpetrator.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar