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.
active by day, as certain birds and insects
"Diurnal" describes creatures or activities that happen during the day. It’s a word that celebrates the daylight hours and means the opposite of nocturnal. So whether you're an early bird or a midday mover, embrace your diurnal side!
to talk or act foolishly
When you footle, you talk or act foolishly. It’s a playful term from the 19th century that captures those moments when you're goofing off or wasting time. So why not footle around for a bit today?
an abundant, overflowing supply
"Cornucopia" is a symbol of abundance and plenty, often seen in harvest celebrations. Meaning "horn of plenty" in Latin, this word overflows with richness — whether it’s a literal feast or the abundance of life's blessings.
carefully or elegantly done, operated, or designed
"Soigné" means elegantly done or designed, a term borrowed from French to describe all things sophisticated. Whether it’s a beautifully designed dress or event, soigné is all about that effortless grace. Très chic!
language that is usually hard to understand
If you're reading something over-complicated or hard to understand, that’s gobbledegook! Coined in the 1940s by a frustrated Texan, it’s a fun word for all that bureaucratic jargon that makes your head spin. Cut through the gobbledegook and get to the point!
