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Word of the day

pigeonhole

[ pij-uhn-hohl ] [ ˈpɪdʒ ənˌhoʊl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to lay aside for use or reference at some later, indefinite time

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Why Dictionary.com chose pigeonhole

More about pigeonhole

  • First recorded as a verb in 1835–45.
  • Combines pigeon¹ + hole; previously, used mainly as a noun, meaning “a small compartment in a desk or cabinet, used for filing or sorting papers.”

EXAMPLES OF PIGEONHOLE

  • My manager chose to pigeonhole the complaint and revisit it once they had more context.
  • They decided to pigeonhole the blueprint until the budget was approved.
20240103
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Word of the day

amain

[ uh-meyn ] [ əˈmeɪn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

with full force

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Why Dictionary.com chose amain

More about amain

  • First recorded in 1530–40.
  • Combines a-³, meaning “at or with,” + main¹, meaning “physical strength or force.”

EXAMPLES OF AMAIN

  • The waterfall crashed amain into the pool below.
  • The actor’s heart pounded amain while he waited behind the curtain.
20240103
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Word of the day

sidereal

[ sahy-deer-ee-uhl ] [ saɪˈdɪər i əl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

of or relating to the stars

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Why Dictionary.com chose sidereal

More about sidereal

  • First recorded in 1625–35.
  • Combines Latin sīdereus, meaning “of or belonging to the stars,” + -al².

EXAMPLES OF SIDEREAL

  • Earth’s sidereal day is nearly four minutes shorter than a solar day.
  • She explained that sidereal drift is the reason star signs have shifted over centuries.
20240103
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Word of the Day Calendar