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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster
Latin
Merriam-Webster
English Language
Etymology
Latin Language
French Language
Improvident
Spontaneous
Metonymy
Desolate
Cornucopia
Eccentric
Exculpatory
Leviathan
Sustain
Bravado
Sensibility
Inoculate
Frowsy
Cajole

Free daily dose of word power from Merriam-Webster's experts

PublishesDailyEpisodes139Founded20 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationLanguage LearningBooksArts

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Artwork for Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Latest Episodes

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 10, 2026 is: effulgence \ih-FULL-junss\ noun Effulgence means “radiant splendor” or “brilliance.” // Guests oohed and aahed at the sudden effulgence of the pagoda, as the last of its hundreds of candles were... more

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 9, 2026 is: tacit \TASS-it\ adjective Tacit is a formal adjective used to describe something that is expressed or understood without being directly stated. // As roommates, we had a tacit agreement that we w... more

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 8, 2026 is: gambol \GAM-bul\ verb Gambol means "to run or jump in a lively way." It is used as a synonym of [frolic](www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frolic). // There are few sights more charming ... more

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 7, 2026 is: perfunctory \per-FUNK-tuh-ree\ adjective Perfunctory is a formal word used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm because of habit or because it is expected. // By the ti... more

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Recent Guests

Howie Mandel
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Episode: apotheosis
Trey Farrow
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Episode: Herculean

Host

Peter Sokolowski
Host of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day / Word of the Day segments; senior linguistics editor known for etymology and usage explanations.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 2.8k ratings
  • A little brain snack

    I listen to this podcast every day after some news summaries, and it’s a refreshing little attitude change with sly humor, and a bit of history and culture, with a “today I learned” opportunity!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    StacyBS
    United States6 months ago
  • Logophile Lover

    Bite-sized digestible definitions! Fun and easy and a great vocabulary builder!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mosh*
    United States7 months ago
  • Word nerd paradise

    So fun, a daily pick-me-up

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alder701
    United States8 months ago
  • Love this

    Words with historical aspect love it

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Re Gen
    United States8 months ago
  • A necessary and edifying daily practice

    In a frenzied AI current moment, hearing human voices tackling human english language inventions makes me feel like I am part of a very special club.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hey PamelaMae
    Canada8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listener feedback often praises concise, daily word learning and etymology insights.
Audience enjoys practical usage notes and real-world sentence examples.
Some listeners request volume and production quality improvements but remain engaged with content quality.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#25
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#87
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#16
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#55
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#66
Italy/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#114
Italy/Arts

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per EpisodeGender SkewLocation
InterestsProfessionsAge Range
Household IncomeSocial Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

What is Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A daily vocabulary-focused show that explains a new word each episode, often tracing its etymology, usage, and historical context with concise examples. Listeners tend to be language enthusiasts who enjoy crisp linguistic notes, brief storytelling, and practical sentences that show how terms can shift in meaning over time. The format is approachable for word nerds and students alike, with steady pacing and clear definitions that invite broader exploration of English usage. A notable strength is the consistent, education-forward approach from Merriam-Webster, making it useful for improving vocabulary and language literacy while providing real-world language insights.

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Which podcasts are similar to Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day:

1. Science Quickly
2. Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers.
3. Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
4. Headline News
5. All Ears English Podcast

How many episodes of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day are there?

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day launched 20 years ago and published 139 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day include:

1. Howie Mandel
2. Trey Farrow

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