Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 11, 2026 is: baptism of fire \BAP-tiz-um-uv-FYRE\ noun A baptism of fire (or baptism by fire, as it is sometimes referred to in the U.S.) is an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal. In military contexts, baptism of fire specifically refers to a soldier's first exposure to enemy fire. // The newly recruited play...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 10, 2026 is: pedagogical \ped-uh-GAH-jih-kul\ adjective Pedagogical is a formal word used to describe things that are of or related to teachers or education. // The new professor is known for particularly engaging pedagogical methods. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pedagogical) Examples: “It’...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 9, 2026 is: anecdote \AN-ik-doht\ noun An anecdote is a short narrative about an interesting, funny, or biographical incident. // Dinner with our uncles means lots of anecdotes involving the mischief they got into as kids. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdote) Examples: “Standing in front o...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 8, 2026 is: nurture \NER-cher\ verb Nurture is most often used to mean “to help someone or something grow, develop, or succeed.” It can also mean “to take care of someone or something that is growing or developing by providing food, protection, a place to live, etc.,” or “to hold something, such as an idea or strong feeling, in your ...

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 7, 2026 is: invidious \in-VID-ee-us\ adjective Invidious is a formal word used to describe things that are unpleasant and likely to cause bad feelings in other people. Such bad feelings may include resentment, discontent, animosity, or envy. // Psychologists caution against drawing invidious comparisons between other people’s lives ...