logomachy

[ loh-gom-uh-kee ]

noun

, plural lo·gom·a·chies.

1. a dispute about or concerning words.
2. an argument or debate marked by the reckless or incorrect use of words; meaningless battle of words.
3. a game played with cards, each bearing one letter, with which words are formed.

logomachy

/ lɒˈɡɒməkɪ /

noun

1. argument about words or the meaning of words

Derived Forms

• loˈgomachist, noun

Other Words From

• log·o·mach·ic [law-g, uh, -, mak, -ik, log-, uh, -], logo·machi·cal adjective
• lo·goma·chist logo·mach noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of logomachy¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Greek logomachía; logo-, -machy

Word History and Origins

Origin of logomachy¹

C16: from Greek logomakhia, from logos word + makhē battle

Example Sentences

His florid vocabulary — he has casually dropped words like logomachy — sounds official without actually saying much.

From New York Times

Sweeping the subject-matter clear of all logomachies, he lets the light of common day fall upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

But a greater champion than William was needed to wipe away what seems to the world the cobwebs of mediæval logomachy.

From Project Gutenberg

Gradually, from their pressure upon his spirit, he grew conscious of the outcome—they would not be content with logomachies; the end might be death.

From Project Gutenberg

The debate thus turns on a question of terminology—that is to say, on a vain and barren logomachy.

From Project Gutenberg