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.
language that is usually hard to understand
If you're reading something over-complicated or hard to understand, that’s gobbledegook! Coined in the 1940s by a frustrated Texan, it’s a fun word for all that bureaucratic jargon that makes your head spin. Cut through the gobbledegook and get to the point!
extremely liberal in giving; very generous
"Munificent" describes extreme generosity — like donating your lottery winnings to charity! It has roots in Latin meaning "bountiful" and celebrates big-hearted giving. So go ahead, be munificent with your time, your smiles, and your money!
to urge to a duty; remind
To "admonish" is to offer a gentle warning or reminder. It’s a great term for when someone needs a nudge in the right direction. So next time you kindly remind someone to stay on task, you're simply admonishing with care!
a white or tinted wash for walls, ceilings, etc.
Calcimine is a white or tinted wash used for brightening up walls and ceilings. Popular in the 19th century, it gets its name from the Latin word for "lime." Whether you're going vintage or just touching up, calcimine gives your space a fresh, old-fashioned glow!
sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn
"Saturnine" describes someone who’s moody or gloomy. It comes from the belief that melancholy could be caused by the astrological influence of the planet Saturn. If you’re in a saturnine mood, don't worry — it will pass!
