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.
to delude, deceive, or fool
Humbug is a fun little word to describe tricking or deceiving. With murky origins and a history dating back to the 18th century, this mysterious little word has been able to humbug people for years!
to produce (something) by long and intensive effort
To elucubrate is to produce something by an intensive effort, often burning the midnight oil. This Latin-rooted word proves that deep thinking and late nights have always gone hand in hand. Got coffee?
the appearance or expression conveyed by someone's face
A visage is the appearance or expression of someone's face. Poets have swooned over fair visages for centuries, while poker players keep theirs unreadable. Whatever look you're going for, your visage says it all!
to subject (something) to fire or intense heat
To torrefy is to subject something to fire or intense heat — think coffee beans, spices, or ancient alchemists at work. If you love a good char on your steak, congratulations, you're a master at torrefying foods!
affected or pretentious
La-di-da is the perfect way to describe someone being affected or pretentious, whether it's an exaggerated accent or a showy attitude. This delightfully snooty phrase captures just the right touch of mockery — no tiara required!
