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.
of or relating to the seas and oceans
Pelagic refers to oceans, where sea creatures large and small abound. From Greek, this term adds a splash of aquatic elegance to your vocab.
to secure or raise with a wedge, keystone, or cornerstone
To quoin means to secure or raise with a wedge. From Middle French, this term lays a solid foundation for adding a touch of sophistication to your speech.
of course; naturally
Short for "naturally," natch is a breezy way to confirm what's obvious. Its casual charm makes it perfect for everyday chat. Why say the long version when you can keep it snappy?
a stocky burrowing rodent that hibernates in the winter
A woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, doesn't actually chuck wood — it burrows instead! This playful word hails from an Algonquian term, and its tongue-twisting fame in riddles has made it a favorite for generations.
unnaturally stiff, formal, or pompous
Stilted describes something unnaturally stiff or formal. When the word was first recorded, it meant "artificially supported with stilts." Whether it's a stiff speech or an awkward conversation, this term adds some height to your descriptive power!
