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.
noun
(in Hawaii) a crown of fresh flowers.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1835–40.
- Comes from Hawaiian and means literally, “to arrange, put in order, compose, braid.”
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- The hula dancer gracefully moved across the stage, her haku swaying with each step.
- As a symbol of celebration and honor, he presented a fragrant haku to the guest of honor.
noun
pleasure; enjoyment.
Explanation
- First recorded in English in 1480–90.
- Comes from Old French, equivalent to jouiss-, stem of jouir “to enjoy.”
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- The novel's rich descriptions and poetic language offered readers moments of jouissance as they immersed themselves in its captivating narrative.
- The ballet performance was a masterpiece of grace and passion, eliciting feelings of jouissance in all who had the privilege to witness it.
noun
an extensive array or variety.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1875–80.
- Comes from the Swedish word smörgåsbord.
- Smörgåsbord is formed from smörgås, “(slice of) bread and butter, sandwich,” from smör, “butter” (related to smear, "to rub with fat") and gås, “goose, lump of fat or butter,” and bord, “table” (as in board, "a table").
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- The music festival offered a smorgasbord of musical genres, appealing to all kinds of music lovers.
- She was impressed by the smorgasbord of colors available in the paint aisle at the local hardware store.
noun
a garment in the style of a button-down shirt, made of a thicker fabric and usually worn over other shirts.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1885–90.
- Of uncertain origin, but perhaps a variant of jacket or, in later use, a blend of sh(irt) and (j)acket.
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- The fashion-forward influencer showcased how versatile a shacket can be by pairing it with both jeans and trousers.
- During the transitional seasons, a lightweight shacket is the perfect choice for adding an extra layer without feeling too bulky.
adjective
hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1375–1425.
- Comes via late Middle English from the Latin word nebulōsus, meaning “full of mist, foggy, cloudy.”
- Nebulōsus comes from nebul(a) “cloud, mist, vapor,” from which we get nebula, "a cloud of interstellar gas and dust."
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- His explanation was so nebulous that it left everyone in the room puzzled and unsure of what to do next.
- The line between dreams and reality felt increasingly nebulous as she struggled to wake up.
