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

Word of the Day

Word of the day

zedonk

[ zee-dongk ] [ ˈzi dɒŋk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose zedonk

More about zedonk

  • Zedonk was first recorded in 1970-75, and like the animal it refers to, is a combination of zebra and donkey.
  • Zebra comes from the Portuguese word zebra, “wild Iberian ass.”
  • Donkey is of uncertain origin, perhaps an alteration of Dunkey, a nickname for Duncan.
  • Donkey could also be a form of dun, “dull, grayish brown.”

EXAMPLES OF ZEDONK

  • The exotic animal farm always had at least three zedonks at one time along with purebred zebras.
  • The child added a zedonk to each of their drawings, as it was one of the few hybrid animals they had seen in real life.
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

Today's Word Was Chosen For Teacher Takeover

pogonophile

[ puh-gon-uh-fahyl ] [ pəˈgɒn əˌfaɪl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a person who likes beards.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose pogonophile

More about pogonophile

🧔 Pogonophile is a great example of a fun and funny word!

🧔‍♂️ Pogonophile was first recorded in 1960-65 from the French word pogonophile.

🧔‍♀️ Pogonophile combines the Greek word pṓgōn, meaning “beard,” and –phile, meaning “lover of; enthusiast,” from Greek –philos, “dear, beloved.”

🧔‍♂️ There are many words that are formed with -phile, including bibliophile, “lover of books,” astrophile, “lover of stars,” and hippophile, “lover of horses.”

Visit our Emoji Dictionary for more 🧔!

 EXAMPLES OF POGONOPHILE

  • As a pogonophile, she eagerly attended the annual Beard & Mustache Championship to admire the impressive facial hair creations on display.
  • The barbershop owner, himself a self-proclaimed pogonophile, curated a wide range of beard oils and grooming products to cater to his bearded clientele.

FOUR ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

5 Easy Ways Word Of The Day Can Kickstart Kids’ Vocabulary

High School Vocabulary: Word Lists For Grades 9-12

Middle School Vocabulary: Word Lists For Grades 6-8

Elementary School Vocabulary To Build Up Confidence

 

Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

cleek

[ kleek ] [ klik ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to grasp or seize suddenly.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose cleek

More about cleek

  • Cleek was first recorded between 1350 and 1400 and is mostly used in Scottish English.
  • Cleek comes from the Middle English word cleke, meaning “hook.”
  • Cleke is a derivative of the verb cleke, “to take hold of,” which is a variant of cleche, similar to clutch.
  • The past tense of cleek can be claught, cleeked, or claucht.
  • cleek is also a type of golf club, which is unsurprising, since Scotland is the birthplace of golf.

EXAMPLES OF CLEEK

  • As the bakery tray emerged from the oven, he couldn’t resist but cleek a fresh, warm croissant.
  • In her excitement upon hearing the news, she cleeked her shopping bags and hurriedly made her way to the car.
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar