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

Word of the Day

Word of the day

cacophony

[ kuh-kof-uh-nee ] [ kəˈkɒf ə ni ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

harsh discordance of sound; dissonance.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose cacophony

More about cacophony

  • First recorded in 1650–60.
  • Comes via New Latin cacophonia from Greek kakophōnía, which contains caco– “bad” + –phony “sound.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF CACOPHONY

  • As the orchestra tuned their instruments, a cacophony of mismatched sounds filled the concert hall.
  • The classroom erupted into a cacophony of laughter and chatter after the bell rang for recess.
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

duende

[ dwen-de ] [ ˈdwɛn dɛ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

charm; magnetism.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose duende

More about duende

  • In the sense of “a goblin or spirit,” first recorded in 1685–95.
  • In the highlighted sense, first recorded in 1955–60.
  • Comes from Spanish and is shortened from duen de (casa), “master of (the house)” with duen a variant of dueño, meaning “lord; owner” from Latin dominus “to control.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF DUENDE

  • The flamenco dancer captivated the audience with their mesmerizing duende.
  • The old bookstore had an enchanting duende that made visitors feel like they were stepping into another world.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar

Word of the day

prink

[ pringk ] [ prɪŋk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to deck oneself out.

learn about the english language

Why Dictionary.com chose prink

More about prink

  • First recorded in 1570–80.
  • May be related to prank, in the sense of “to dress or adorn in an ostentatious manner.”
  • Prank came from the Dutch word pronken, meaning “to show off, strut.”
  • Sign up for more Word of the Day!

EXAMPLES OF PRINK

  • After hours of prinking in front of the mirror, he was finally ready for the party.
  • The costume designer helped the actor prink in elaborate period attire for the play.
Word of the Day promo
Word of the Day Calendar
Word of the Day Calendar