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

Word of the Day

Word of the day

jalopy

[ juh-lop-ee ] [ dʒəˈlɒp i ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an old, decrepit, or unpretentious automobile.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose jalopy

More about jalopy

EXAMPLES OF JALOPY

  • Passing by, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of a man in a dapper suit climbing out of an old jalopy.
  • Driving down the dusty road, I spotted a jalopy rusting away in the abandoned field.
Word of the Day promo
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

Weltschmerz

[ velt-shmerts ] [ ˈvɛltˌʃmɛrts ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

sorrow that one feels and accepts as one's necessary portion in life; sentimental pessimism.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose Weltschmerz

More about Weltschmerz

  • First recorded in English in 1860–65.
  • From German, Welt means “world” and Schmerz means “pain.”
  • The English verb smart, in the sense “to cause a sharp pain,” is related to Schmerz.
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF WELTSCHMERZ

  • The poetry of the Romantic era often captures the essence of Weltschmerz, evoking a poignant longing for an unattainable ideal.
  • The protagonist in the novel was consumed by Weltschmerz, finding solace only in the depths of tragic literature.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

risible

[ riz-uh-buhl ] [ ˈrɪz ə bəl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose risible

More about risible

  • Entered English around 1550–60.
  • From Late Latin rīsibilis, “that can laugh.”
  • Risible can also mean “having the ability, disposition, or readiness to laugh.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF RISIBLE

  • The cartoonist masterfully depicted the world’s leaders in a risible manner, providing a satirical critique of their actions.
  • The absurd plot of the movie made it thoroughly risible, leaving the viewers in stitches.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar