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 witty remark or comment; clever saying
A bon mot is a clever or witty remark, often delivered at just the right moment. The phrase comes from French, literally meaning "good word." If you've ever met someone who's the life of the party, chances are they know how to land a perfectly timed bon mot.
His bon mot made everyone at the party laugh.
a learned person, expert, or authority
A pundit is an expert or authority in a range of fields. The word entered English through Hindi, originally coming from Sanskrit to describe a wise person. It's a word to remind us that expertise matters. Whether they're talking politics or forecasting playoffs, pundits always have something to say.
The pundit offered a learned analysis of the current events.
a traditional Vietnamese outfit with a long slit tunic worn over wide trousers
An ao dai is a traditional Vietnamese outfit with a long slit tunic worn over wide trousers. Its name, borrowed directly from Vietnamese, translates to "long garment." Flowing and graceful, the ao dai is as much a symbol of cultural pride as it is a work of art.
She looked elegant in her beautiful ao dai.
a large group or crowd
A horde is a large group or crowd. The word traces back to a Turkic root meaning "army camp." Over time, it's been used to describe everything from swarming insects to eager tourists. Whatever the type, a horde always makes an entrance.
A horde of tourists descended upon the museum.
a remote rural area
The boondocks are remote rural areas far out in the wilderness, where Wi-Fi is spotty and the nearest coffee shop is miles away. Sometimes playfully called "the boonies," the term entered English from the Tagalog word for "mountain." Whether it's a peaceful weekend escape or a way of life, the boondocks offer quiet nights and a slower pace of living.
They lived in the boondocks, far away from the city.
