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

Word of the Day

Word of the day

striated

[ strahy-ey-tid ] [ ˈstraɪ eɪ tɪd ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

marked with streaks or grooves

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose striated

More about striated

EXAMPLES OF STRIATED

  • The butterfly’s wings were striated with vibrant streaks of blue and yellow.
  • In architecture, Doric columns are striated or fluted, but Tuscan columns are not.
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!
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

blitz

[ blits ] [ blɪts ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

(American football) a charge on the passer as soon as the ball is snapped

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose blitz

More about blitz

  • First recorded in 1935–40 to mean “a sudden, overwhelming attack.”
  • A shortening of the German Blitzkrieg, meaning “lightning war.”

EXAMPLES OF BLITZ

  • The coach signaled for a blitz, hoping to disrupt the opposing team’s passing play.
  • After the blitz, the defense celebrated their success in forcing a turnover on downs.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

wuther

[ wuhth-er ] [ ˈwʌð ər ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

(of wind) to blow fiercely

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose wuther

More about wuther

  • First recorded before 1850; originally a spelling variant of the earlier forms whither or quhedir.
  • From Old Norse hvitha, meaning “a gust of wind.”

EXAMPLES OF WUTHER

  • Outside the cabin, the wind began to wuther, carrying flurries of snow.
  • As the wind wuthered, it made the entire forest seem alive.
20240103
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar