Words

How did we come to associate sleeping and snoring with the letter ‘Z’? The origins trace back farther than you might think but are tied to early 20th-century American comic strips.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Here's why medieval artists loved putting horns on Moses.

If you say "main sail," some sailors might consider you an outsider.

From 'bowline' to 'topgallant,' these nautical terms don't sound how they look.

Is your bread presliced, your oven preheated, and your car pre-owned?

The prefix ‘pre-’ often seems redundant—but it’s actually working hard to serve its purpose.

We have the military to thank.

This pithy word may only be three letters long, but it's deceptively complex. According to one lexicographer, it has 645 distinct definitions.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

For the next time you encounter a sea serpent, a blood-sucking fiend, or a creepy cryptid.

It has a little something to do with bees—a fact you can drop around the watercooler the next time your coworker says they spotted a mysterious drone in the sky.

Find out which languages people in the U.S. care about learning the most.

Thinking about learning a new language? Here‘s a look at the most popular choices in the U.S. right now.

Nickname-names like Ellie and Liam are in. Millennial and royal names are out. (Sorry Erin and William.)

The agency needs help deciphering the flowing penmanship of the past.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Some situations require sterilization, while sanitizing works fine in others.

Learn the key differences between sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing to properly clean your home and protect your health.

The terms are more literal than you might have assumed.

There’s a surprising connection between the capital of the Philippines and mailing important documents.

There are several theories as to where this phrase came from—and none of them involves the nuts.

The difference between misinformation and disinformation boils down to the intent behind it (or lack thereof). Plus, a handy trick for knowing which term to use when the time comes.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Sometimes regular English words—words that have commonsense but slightly fuzzy meanings—must be defined more precisely for food labeling.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

You want nothing to do with chimney sweep’s scrotum.

Today’s work-related ailments have nothing on these (mostly) historical diseases. You’ll be glad you're not suffering from Hatter’s Shakes—or worse, Chimney Sweep’s Scrotum.

‘Six feet under’ may be an obvious nod to death, but other phrases are a little trickier.

Why Does ‘Zzz’ Mean Sleep?

Definition Detective Quiz #24

The Translation Mystery Behind Imagery of Moses With Horns

10 Nautical Terms You Might Be Mispronouncing

To Pre or Not to Pre: The Reason We Add ‘Pre’ Before So Many Words

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

Why ‘Run’ Is The Most Complex Word in the English Language

Definition Detective Quiz #23

12 Rare Old Words for Monsters

The Reason Unmanned Aircraft are Called “Drones”

The 10 Languages Americans Want to Learn the Most

20 Baby Names at Risk of Going Extinct

The National Archives Is Looking for Volunteers With a “Superpower”: Reading Cursive

Definition Detective Quiz #22

Sanitize vs. Disinfect vs. Sterilize: What‘s the Difference?

The Surprisingly Literal Reason We Call Letters “Uppercase” and “Lowercase”

Why Is It Called a “Manila” Envelope?

Why Are Oft-Repeated Jokes or Stories Sometimes Called “Old Chestnuts”?

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?

Definition Detective Quiz #21

11 Common Words With Very Specific Meanings on Food Labels in the U.S.

Definition Detective Quiz #20

Is the Term a Euphemism for Dying or for Getting Fired?