Wordplay

Arts & Culture

Talking Turkey at Thanksgiving

The best way to avoid uncomfortable conversation at Thanksgiving? Talk about the food.

17 Words for Dog Breeds

If you love dogs and words, you’re barking up the right tree

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Our maraca shake brings all the hautbois to the yard

Ten Kinds of Happiness

Joyful words from around the world

The Words of the Week - Nov. 21

Lookups from federal court, numismatics, and the night sky

12 Words and Phrases for Romantic Relationships

This list warms the cockles of our hearts

Where does the expression 'throw someone under the bus' come from?

Let's blame the British

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

We know you're going to look these up

Top Banana, Kingpin, and Other Nicknames for Important People

Big wigs, big enchiladas, and big shots

The Left Hand of (Supposed) Darkness

It depends on what side you're coming from.

Merriam-Webster's Short List of Gender and Identity Terms

In case you (or someone you know) has questions about what they mean

Why do we park in the driveway and drive on the parkway?

The answer to one of life's big questions

2024 Word of the Year: Polarization

Merriam-Webster's 2024 Word of the Year is 'Polarization'

Bait and Switch: 10 Misleading Words for Foods

There's a reason 'mountain oysters' aren't on the seafood menu, friend

Pop Rhetoric: Our Favorites

Rhetorical devices in pop songs

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard Idioms

24 down-home turns of phrase

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Look what you made us do

Words We’re Watching: ‘Brat’

Lexicography is so brat.

'Dumbledore', 'Hippogriff', and 11 More Real Words from Harry Potter

Muggles welcome.

The Words of the Week - Nov. 7

Lookups from election day, Los Angeles, and the theater

8 Delicious Words with Inedible Meanings

Which one is the apple of your eye?

Word Icons

Legendary figures and the words that define them

The History of 'Wag the Dog'

Making a big show about it
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