Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


valorous

[val-er-uhs]

adjective

courageous; brave

Explanation

"Valorous" describes someone with great courage and bravery, perfect for tales of knights, soldiers, or everyday heroes. It’s a word that honors those who face challenges head-on. Be bold, be brave — be valorous!

vinaceous

[vahy-ney-shuhs]

adjective

of the color of red wine

Explanation

"Vinaceous" is a rich word for describing the deep, reddish-purple color of wine. It’s a sophisticated hue that pairs well with fancy dinners and elegant descriptions. Here's to painting the town vinaceous!

hyponym

[hahy-puh-nim]

noun

a term that denotes a subcategory of a more general class

Explanation

A hyponym is a word that belongs to a specific subcategory of something more general. For example, a poodle is a hyponym of dog — a poodle is a specific breed of dog. Linguists love this term, which comes from Greek. So next time you go word-hunting, think of all the little hyponyms hiding in bigger categories!

cap-a-pie

[kap-uh-pee]

adverb

from head to foot

Explanation

"Cap-a-pie" is a fancy way of saying "from head to foot." Borrowed from French, the term was often used to describe knights suited up for battle. So whether you're dressed for success or fully prepared, you're ready cap-a-pie!

alliaceous

[al-ee-ey-shuhs]

adjective

having the odor or taste of garlic, onion, etc

Explanation

"Alliaceous" is used to describe the pungent smell or taste of garlic and onions. It’s a word as sharp as the foods it names, perfect for when you're using bold flavors in the kitchen. Just try prepping alliaceous food without crying!