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
the practice of purchasing an air ticket for a flight with a layover at one’s true destination, getting off at the layover point, and skipping the last leg of the flight.
Explanation
- First recorded in 2015–20.
- Comes from the verb skiplag, which was formed from skip, "to pass form one point to another, disregarding what intervenes," and lag, "a lapse of time."
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- Some airlines have started cracking down on skiplagging by penalizing passengers who engage in this practice.
- Skiplagging has become a contentious topic in the travel industry, with debates on whether it is a legitimate money-saving tactic or a form of unethical behavior.
adjective
superior in weight, force, influence, numbers, etc.; prevailing.
Explanation
- First recorded in 1650–60.
- Comes from the stem of the Latin word praeponderāns, which is the present participle of praeponderāre, meaning "to outweigh."
- Related to the verb ponder, "to consider deeply and thoroughly."
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- Despite her preponderant presence in the room, she preferred to stay silent.
- The preponderant influence of social media shapes many people's opinions and behaviors.
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.
