Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

Word of the Day

Word of the day

flavescent

[ fluh-ves-uhnt ] [ fləˈvɛs ənt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

yellowish

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose flavescent

More about flavescent

  • First recorded in 1850–55.
  • From the Latin flāvescere, meaning “to become yellow;” possibly from Proto-Indo-European root *bʰel-, meaning “shiny.”

EXAMPLES OF FLAVESCENT

  • A flavescent mist hung over the marshlands, giving the dawn an eerie beauty.
  • Each fall, the leaves on the big tree in my yard turn a flavescent hue.
20240103
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

scuttle

[ skuht-l ] [ ˈskʌt l ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to run with quick, hasty steps

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose scuttle

More about scuttle

  • First recorded between 1450–1500.
  • Combines scud¹, meaning “to dart or run,” + frequentative suffix -le¹.
  • Sometimes associated with the locomotion of crabs.

EXAMPLES OF SCUTTLE

  • With the snorkel mask on, she could now see all sorts of creatures scuttling across the seafloor.
  • They were late for their meeting, so they had to scuttle through the crowded subway station.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

lickerish

[ lik-er-ish ] [ ˈlɪk ər ɪʃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

eager to consume delicious foods

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose lickerish

More about lickerish

  • First recorded between 1300–1350.
  • From the Middle English lickerous; combines the root licker, referring to “gluttony,” + the suffix -ish¹.

EXAMPLES OF LICKERISH

  • The lickerish guests savored the first bite of the cheese, appreciating its sharpness and complexity.
  • The banquet hall filled with lickerish sighs as the first taste of the chef’s famed soufflé melted on their tongues.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar