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.
a tiered temple built by ancient Assyrians and Babylonians
A ziggurat is an ancient temple with step-like layers, built by ancient Assyrians and Babylonians. Think of it as the original high-rise, long before elevators existed. No need to climb one — just adding this word to your vocabulary is a linguistic step up!
a narrow sea inlet
A fjord is a narrow sea inlet that's often surrounded by cliffs or mountains — quite a beautiful sight! The word is from Norwegian and is perfect for adventurers, both linguistic and seafaring.
cowardly or craven
If bravery isn't someone's strong suit, they might be called recreant — a term for being cowardly or craven. The word is borrowed from French and originally meant "defeated." Let's stand tall and not be recreant in the face of new vocabulary!
to delude, deceive, or fool
Humbug is a fun little word to describe tricking or deceiving. With murky origins and a history dating back to the 18th century, this mysterious little word has been able to humbug people for years!
to produce (something) by long and intensive effort
To elucubrate is to produce something by an intensive effort, often burning the midnight oil. This Latin-rooted word proves that deep thinking and late nights have always gone hand in hand. Got coffee?
