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Words of the Year: 1066

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

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

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

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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These Are Fighting Words

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

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Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

a state or period of senile decay

Videos

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The Serial Comma

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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2016 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'surreal'

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Alright vs. All Right

Is 'alright' all right?

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Is None Singular or Plural?

Or both? Or neither?

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Irregardless

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

Latest Videos

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Grammar and Usage

Word History

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  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

  2. otherwise "in other respects"

  3. federalism Graham says bill gives power to states

  4. bodega "Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

  5. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

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Test Your Vocabulary

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

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  • Which of the following is a new sense of the word bunny?
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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.

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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?

Word Games

young-plant-shoots
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.

Take the quiz
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game