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.
plural noun
small pieces; bits.
Explanation
- Smithereens was first recorded in 1820–30.
- Smithereens may come from the dialectal variant smithers, "tiny pieces."
- Smithereens also contains the suffix -een similar to Irish -ín, which is used to emphasize the small size of something.
- Smithereens is always used in the plural form.
- She tore up the letter into tiny smithereens of paper before throwing them in the trash.
- The old building was demolished, reducing it to smithereens in a matter of seconds.
noun
an inn; hostel.
Explanation
- Auberge entered English from French around 1770–80.
- The French word auberge comes from Old Provençal alberga, which meant "encampment, hut."
- These forms diverged from the verb arbergar, "to lodge, shelter," which was originally from an East Germanic term meaning, "to shelter an armed force."
- Both harbinger, which can mean "a person sent in advance of troops," and harbor, "shelter," may have similar origins.
- After a long day of hiking, we were relieved to find a welcoming auberge to rest our weary bodies.
- The cozy auberge by the lake offered comfortable accommodations and delicious homemade meals.
verb
to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner.
Explanation
- Cavort is an Americanism dating back to 1785–95.
- Cavort comes from the earlier word cavault.
- Cavault is perhaps a combination of the words cur(vet), "a leap of a horse from a rearing position, in which it springs up with the hind legs outstretched as the forelegs descend," and vault, "to leap or spring."
- After weeks of intense studying, the students decided to let loose and cavort around town at the end of the semester.
- The dancers cavorted with contagious enthusiasm, lifting the spirits of all who were watching.
noun
a banquet, feast, or gathering.
Explanation
- Convivium was first recorded in 1720–30.
- Convivium has roots in the Latin word for feast, convīviālis, which comes from the Latin verb meaning "to live together or dine together."
- The adjective form, convivial, "friendly" or "fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company," came from the same root, but was recorded in English earlier, around 1660-70.
- With its vibrant decorations and lively atmosphere, the convivium transformed the park into a festive space for people to come together and enjoy good company.
- The convivium was filled with laughter, music, and delicious food as friends and family gathered to honor the newlyweds.
adjective
pleasing to the taste; palatable.
Explanation
- Toothsome was first recorded in 1545–55.
- The tooth in toothsome comes from the meaning "taste, relish, or liking."
- The -some suffix was formerly used to form English adjectives like quarrelsome and burdensome.
- The bakery displayed an array of toothsome pastries that tempted passersby to indulge in something sweet.
- The aroma from the kitchen enticed them with the promise of a toothsome meal.
