neologism

[ nee-ol-uh-jiz-uhm ]

noun

1. a new word, meaning, usage, or phrase.
2. the introduction or use of new words or new senses of existing words.
3. a new doctrine, especially a new interpretation of sacred writings.
4. Psychiatry. a new word, often consisting of a combination of other words, that is understood only by the speaker: occurring most often in the speech of schizophrenics.

neologism

/ ˌnɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; nɪˈɒləˌdʒɪzəm /

noun

1. a newly coined word, or a phrase or familiar word used in a new sense
2. the practice of using or introducing neologisms
3. rare.
   a tendency towards adopting new views, esp rationalist views, in matters of religion

Derived Forms

• neˌoloˈgistically, adverb
• neˈologist, noun
• neˌoloˈgistic, adjective

Other Words From

• ne·olo·gist noun
• ne·olo·gistic ne·olo·gisti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neologism¹

From the French word néologisme, dating back to 1790–1800. See neology, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of neologism¹

C18: via French from neo- + -logism, from Greek logos word, saying

Example Sentences

Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso” “Me espresso” may end up the year’s best pop neologism — but let’s not overlook the linguistic invention in “Walked in and dream-came-true’d it for you.”

From Los Angeles Times

The caffeinated drink of the summer isn’t cold brew or iced matcha — it’s “me espresso,” a weird and strangely brilliant neologism coined by the pop singer Sabrina Carpenter in her ascendant hit “Espresso.”

From New York Times

Only this weekend he said: “We have languages coming into our country that no one can speak,” a strange grasping for meaning, bordering on neologism.

From Salon

But "daddy brain" isn't really a neologism in the same way, which attests to the way that "mommy brain" can sometimes evoke a sexist stereotype of the doddering, forgetful new mother.

From Salon

At worst, it distracts from the actual work of improving lives, while alienating older and less-educated people who don’t want to spend their days keeping abreast of the latest word bans or neologisms.

From Washington Post