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

Word of the Day

Word of the day

gâteau

[ ga-toh ] [ gæˈtoʊ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a cake, especially a very light sponge cake with a rich icing or filling.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose gâteau

More about gâteau

  • Gâteau was first recorded in English in 1835–45.
  • Gâteau came from French and has origins in the Old French word gastel.
  • Gastel is possibly similar to the Old English, Old Saxon word wist, meaning “food or nourishment.”

EXAMPLES OF GÂTEAU

  • As I took the first bite of the gâteau, its light and fluffy texture melted in my mouth, leaving behind the delightful flavors of almond and apricot.
  • For her birthday, she requested a decadent gâteau with layers of moist vanilla sponge, luscious raspberry filling, and a smooth cream cheese icing.
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

soi-disant

[ swa-dee-zahn ] [ swa diˈzɑ̃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

so-called.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose soi-disant

More about soi-disant

  • Soi-disant was first recorded in English in 1750–60.
  • Soi-disant comes from the French term literally meaning, “calling oneself.”
  • Soi-disant can also mean “self-styled” as in, “The soi-disant ‘Man of Macaroni’ made the best pasta in town.”

EXAMPLES OF SOI-DISANT

  • The soi-disant psychic predicted a financial windfall for her clients, but it turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking.
  • The soi-disant fashionista boasted about her unique sense of style, but her wardrobe consisted of outdated trends.
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

enervate

[ en-er-veyt ] [ ˈɛn ərˌveɪt ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to deprive of force or strength; destroy the vigor of; weaken.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose enervate

More about enervate

  • Enervate was first recorded in 1595–1605.
  • Enervate is from the Latin word ēnervātus, meaning “weakened.”
  • Ēnervātus is formed from ē-, meaning “from, out of,” and nerv(us), “sinew, tendon.”

EXAMPLES OF ENERVATE

  • The monotonous routine of his desk job enervated his motivation, making it difficult for him to stay focused.
  • The heatwave and high humidity enervated the athletes, hindering their performance on the field.
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar