Celebrate Dictionary Day 2020!
National Dictionary Day is October 16th and it celebrates the birthday of Noah Webster, considered by many to be the father of the American dictionary. This special day celebrates language, emphasizes the importance of learning, and encourages readers to use the dictionary to improve vocabulary. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate #DictionaryDay!
DICTIONARY GAMES
Use Merriam-Webster Activity Sheets and Scavenger Hunts that pair up with our school dictionaries for word play discovery!
PLAY WORD GAMES
Challenge yourself to a word search, crossword puzzle, or one of the many games at Merriam-Webster.com/word-games.
HOST A VIRTUAL SPELLING BEE
A spelling bee is a fun way to foster community all the while building vocabulary and spelling skills!
WATCH ASK THE EDITOR VIDEOS
Watch our editors answer grammar questions and address language disputes! Visit Merriam-Webster.com/video.
LISTEN TO THE WORD MATTERS PODCAST
Word Matters is Merriam-Webster's podcast for readers, writers, and anyone who ever loved their English class. Listen and subscribe now!
LEARN A NEW WORD EACH DAY
Sign up for our Word of the Day newsletter or close your eyes, open your dictionary to a random page, and read the first word you see! If you're looking for words that are more kid-friendly check out our Weekly Vocabulary Words for Kids.
WRITE A HAIKU ABOUT FALL
A haiku is a Japanese form of poetry having three lines containing five, seven, and five syllables. Here’s an example: The leaves are changing. Colors of red and orange. Beautiful tree line.
ROCK ART
Find a few rocks that are large and flat enough to paint your favorite word on. Leave the painted rocks in your backyard, garden, or if allowed, leave them on a trail or public sidewalk for someone else to discover. (Tip: acrylic paint works best.)
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Be sure to follow @MerriamWebster on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use #DictionaryDay to follow along and post about your celebrations.
