Word of the Day
Learn a new word every day! The Dictionary.com team of language experts carefully selects each Word of the Day to add some panache to your vocabulary.
to address with harsh or abusive language
To vituperate is to speak sharply with anger or scorn, leaving no doubt about the speaker's feelings. The word suggests more than simple criticism, capturing speech that is deliberately scathing or critical. It's a strong term for moments when language crosses into verbal attack.
The angry customer began to vituperate the store manager, shouting insults and accusations.
a little bit; a small amount
A skosh is a tiny bit — just enough to notice. The word entered American slang in the 1950s, adapted from a Japanese word with a similar meaning. When "a touch" feels too vague, skosh delivers just the right amount.
I need just a skosh of sugar in my coffee.
having a musky smell
Moschate evokes a musky fragrance that can be rich, warm, or slightly sweet. The word can be used in reference to flowers or perfumes with a distinctive aroma. No matter where it pops up, moschate leaves an impression.
The moschate aroma of her perfume filled the room.
a short saying or observation that's witty or wise
Some truths hit hardest in just a few words. An aphorism captures wit, wisdom, or insight so sharply that it lingers in the mind. Often concise and quotable, aphorisms transform complex ideas into accessible, memorable sayings. They're the kind of lines that invite reflection long after they're read or said.
My grandmother often shared an aphorism about hard work: "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
the first person to cross the threshold of a house on New Year's Day
As the new year begins, a Scottish tradition celebrates the first person to come through the door after midnight. This first-foot is believed to bring luck for the year ahead, often arriving with symbolic gifts like coal or bread. The first-foot marks a beginning steeped in hope, ceremony, and prosperity.
As the first-foot, our neighbor brought a traditional lump of coal for good luck.
