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.
a small carnivorous freshwater fish native to South America
A piranha is a sharp-toothed freshwater fish found in South American rivers, famous for its powerful bite. The word came to English from Portuguese, but ultimately traces back to Tupi, an Indigenous South American language. While the reputation of a piranha is scarier than reality, you still wouldn't want to dangle your toes near a hungry one!
That small piranha has extremely sharp teeth. Watch out!
a lively Polish dance with a moderately quick triple meter
A mazurka is a lively Polish dance with a fairly quick triple meter. The name comes from a region of Poland where the dance first took root. A mazurka will have you spinning in style, whether you're in an elegant ballroom or a village square.
The energetic mazurka filled the dance hall with its lively triple rhythm.
characterized by clear perception or understanding
Lucid means "characterized by clear perception or understanding," and it can also describe vivid dreams. It comes from a Latin term meaning "clear or full of light." Whether you're making a point or wandering through a dream, lucid moments always cut through the fog.
a video of someone eating large amounts of food, often while speaking to the viewer as if sharing a meal
A mukbang is a video where hosts eat large quantities of food while interacting with viewers as if they're sharing a meal. The word comes from a blend of two Korean terms meaning "to eat" and "broadcast." It's a feast for both the eyes and the algorithm.
a wailing spirit in Irish folklore seen or heard as a sign a family member will soon die
A banshee is a wailing spirit from Irish legend, known for signaling the impending death of a family member. The word comes from Irish, translating to "woman of a fairy mound." This eerie figure is the stuff legends (and nightmares) are made of!
