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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster 10 Episodes Sep 20, 2026

Build your vocabulary with Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day! Each day a Merriam-Webster editor offers insight into a fascinating new word -- explaining its meaning, current use, and little-known details about its origin.

Episodes

volition Sep 20, 2026 00:01:54 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 20, 2026 is: volition  \voh-LISH-un\   noun Volition is a formal word that means “the power to make your own choices or decisions.” Usually, though not always, volition follows own, as in “left the company of her own volition.” // Every choice I made was of my own volition and not due to outside

aggrandize Sep 19, 2026 00:01:49 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 19, 2026 is: aggrandize  \uh-GRAN-dyze\   verb To aggrandize someone (or something) is to enhance their power, wealth, position, or reputation. Aggrandize can also mean "to increase or enlarge" or "to praise highly." // Critics of the book argue that the author aggrandizes corrupt politicians.

churlish Sep 18, 2026 00:02:22 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 18, 2026 is: churlish  \CHUR-lish\   adjective Churlish is a formal word used to describe someone or something that is impolite or rude. // I was shocked by the churlish remarks made by my opponent. See the entry > Examples: “… I think a Bob Dylan concert is fundamentally for Bo

watershed Sep 17, 2026 00:02:29 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 17, 2026 is: watershed  \WAW-ter-shed\   noun Watershed, used figuratively, refers to a crucial dividing point, line, or factor. Used literally, the word may refer to a ridge from which rivers drain on either side, or to the area of land that includes a particular river or lake and all the rivers,

facsimile Sep 16, 2026 00:02:09 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 16, 2026 is: facsimile  \fak-SIM-uh-lee\   noun A facsimile is an exact copy of something. The word facsimile is also still sometimes used to refer to a system of transmitting and reproducing graphic matter, such as printed text or photos, though the word fax is more common. // The forged paintin

quorum Sep 15, 2026 00:01:55 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 15, 2026 is: quorum  \KWOR-um\   noun Quorum refers to the smallest number of people who must be present at a meeting in order for official decisions to be made. Broadly speaking, quorum may refer to any select group. We need a quorum of fifteen staff members on the call in order to move forwa

empirical Sep 14, 2026 00:02:49 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 14, 2026 is: empirical  \im-PEER-uh-kul\   adjective When we describe something, such as data, as empirical, we mean that it originated in, or was based on, observation or experience. Empirical can also be used to describe something that can be verified or disproved by observation or experiment, a

shofar Sep 13, 2026 00:02:04 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 13, 2026 is: shofar  \SHOH-far\   noun A shofar is the horn of an animal (usually a ram) blown as a trumpet by the ancient Hebrews in battle and during religious observances. It is used in modern Judaism especially during Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur. // As a child, Eli’s favorite p

hobnob Sep 12, 2026 00:02:06 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 12, 2026 is: hobnob  \HAHB-nahb\   verb To hobnob is to socialize with others, especially with people of high social status. // A great deal can be learned about the entertainment industry by hobnobbing with folks at film festivals. See the entry > Examples: “My whole attitude h

patina Sep 11, 2026 00:02:06 Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 11, 2026 is: patina  \puh-TEE-nuh\   noun A patina is a usually green film that forms on copper and bronze that is exposed to moist air for an extended time. The word patina can also refer to a shiny or dark surface that over time forms naturally on something (such as wood or leather), or to a lit

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

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