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.
adjective
made to individual order; custom-made.
Explanation
- Bespoke was first recorded in the sense highlighted here in 1745–55.
- Bespoke comes from the past tense for bespeak, "to ask for in advance."
- The verb bespeak was first recorded much earlier, before 900. It comes from the Old English word besprecan.
- As a luxury brand, they offer bespoke travel experiences that are designed according to each client's unique preferences and desires.
- The interior of the mansion was adorned with exquisite bespoke furniture, handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail.
noun
a fuss; commotion.
Explanation
- Kerfuffle was first recorded in 1945–50.
- Kerfuffle is an informal word that most likely comes from the Scots word curfuffle.
- Curfuffle comes from the Scottish Gaelic words car “a turn,” and fuffle “to disorder, confuse,” which is of imitative origin.
- The new policy announcement created a kerfuffle among the employees, who were concerned about its implications.
- The unexpected arrival of a wild boar caused a kerfuffle at the campsite, with campers scrambling to safety.
noun
a person who prefers pleasures and activities that center around the home.
Explanation
- Homebody is an Americanism dating back to 1815–25.
- Homebody is a combination of the words home and body.
- Both home and body entered English before 900.
- Even though he lived in a vibrant city, Marcus was a true homebody who enjoyed spending his evenings reading and watching movies at home.
- Being a homebody doesn't mean you miss out on adventure–the thrill of discovering new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen is enough to satisfy any culinary enthusiast.
noun
a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.
Explanation
- Wanderlust was first recorded in English in 1850–55.
- Wanderlust comes from German, from the words wander(n), which means “to wander,” and Lust, which means “desire.”
- Wander, "to ramble without a definite purpose or objective," and lust, "a passionate or overmastering desire or craving," both entered English before 900.
- Every time he flipped through his feed, his wanderlust grew stronger as he saw breathtaking photos of exotic destinations.
- Despite having a comfortable life with a stable job, she couldn't ignore the persistent call of wanderlust that urged her to sell everything and hit the road.
noun
a family in which one or more children live with and are raised by their grandparent or grandparents.
Explanation
- Grandfamily was first recorded around 1960–65.
- Grandfamily was formed from a combination of grand-, meaning "one generation more remote" and family "a basic social unit."
- Other words that begin with grand- include grandparent, grandmother, grandfather, and grandfluencer, "an older person who’s known for being influential due to having a large social media following, especially one who seems at least old enough to be a grandparent."
- Living in a close-knit grandfamily has its challenges, but it also brings immeasurable love and support.
- The community organized a picnic to celebrate the unique bonds of grandfamilies, those between grandparents and their grandchildren.
