Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

Word of the Day

Word of the day

plebiscite

[ pleb-uh-sahyt ] [ ˈplɛb əˌsaɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose plebiscite

More about plebiscite

  • First recorded in 1525–35.
  • Borrowed directly from French and ultimately from the classical Latin plebiscitum, meaning “a decree or resolution of the people.”

EXAMPLES OF PLEBISCITE

  • The plebiscite results revealed overwhelming support for preserving the historic site.
  • The government held a plebiscite, letting the people decide on future energy sources.
20240103
quiz icon
WHAT'S YOUR WORD IQ?
Think you're a word wizard? Try our word quiz, and prove it!
TAKE THE QUIZ
arrows pointing up and down
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
Double your word knowledge with the Synonym of the Day!
SEE TODAY'S SYNONYM
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

anon

[ uh-non ] [ əˈnɒn ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

in a short time; soon

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose anon

More about anon

  • First recorded before 1000.
  • From the Old English on āne, meaning “in one (course),” i.e., straightaway.

EXAMPLES OF ANON

  • The car is packed, so we’ll leave for the trip anon.
  • The play begins anon, so we should take our seats.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

spancel

[ span-suhl ] [ ˈspæn səl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a rope used to prevent an animal from straying

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose spancel

More about spancel

  • Recorded in 1600–10.
  • From the low German spannen, “to stretch.” See span².

EXAMPLES OF SPANCEL 

  • The farmer secured the cow with a spancel to keep it from wandering into the neighbor’s field.
  • In the pastures, the spancel allowed the animals to graze without running off.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar