SINCE 1828

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by the day

Definition of by the day

:as each day passes

things are getting better by the day.

Word by Word Definitions

day play

: the time of light between one night and the next
: daylight
: daytime

See the full definition of day

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up by the day? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

play

agreeable, attractive, or delicious

Words at Play

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

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The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

Take the quiz

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

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Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

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SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game