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

Word of the Day

Word of the day

tricksy

[ trik-see ] [ ˈtrɪk si ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

given to tricks; mischievous; playful; prankish.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose tricksy

More about tricksy

EXAMPLES OF TRICKSY

  • The mischievous elf played tricksy pranks on anyone who dared to enter the enchanted forest.
  • The tricksy cat knocked over the vase while chasing a butterfly.
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

modus operandi

[ moh-duhs op-uh-ran-dee, -dahy ] [ ˈmoʊ dəs ˌɒp əˈræn di, -daɪ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

one’s usual way of doing something.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose modus operandi

More about modus operandi

EXAMPLES OF MODUS OPERANDI

  • By studying the wildlife biologist’s modus operandi, conservationists hoped to replicate successful conservation efforts.
  • Understanding the enemy’s modus operandi is crucial in developing effective counterstrategies.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

pilcrow

[ pil-kroh ] [ ˈpɪl kroʊ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a paragraph mark.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose pilcrow

More about pilcrow

  • First recorded around 1400–50.
  • An apparent alteration of the late Middle English word pylcraft(e), perhaps from Old French paragrafe, pelagraphe.
  • Paragraph has origins in Greek paragraphḗ, meaning “marked passage.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF PILCROW

  • The editor asked the writer to insert pilcrows to indicate new paragraphs in the manuscript.
  • Students learning about typography are usually introduced to the concept of the pilcrow as a visual marker for paragraphs.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar