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baksheesh

[ bak-sheesh ] [ ˈbæk ʃiʃ ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a tip, present, or gratuity

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Why Dictionary.com chose baksheesh

More about baksheesh

  • First recorded in 1615–25.
  • From the Persian word bakhshish, meaning “gift, pardon, or generosity.”

EXAMPLES OF BAKSHEESH

  • His warmth and a thoughtful bit of baksheesh ensured the bellhop handled his bags with extra care.
  • A seasoned traveler understands that baksheesh goes a long way in getting the best seat in a crowded teahouse.
20240103
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drouk

[ drook ] [ druk ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

verb

to drench

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Why Dictionary.com chose drouk

More about drouk

  • First recorded in 1505–15.
  • From Old Norse drukna, meaning “to be drowned.”
  • Related to the word drown.

EXAMPLES OF DROUK

  • The sudden downpour managed to drouk everyone before they reached shelter.
  • A leaky roof drouked the kitchen floor overnight.
20240103
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Word of the day

lexical

[ lek-si-kuhl ] [ ˈlɛk sɪ kəl ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adjective

of or relating to words or vocabulary

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Why Dictionary.com chose lexical

More about lexical

  • First recorded in 1830–40.
  • Combines lexic(on) from Greek léxis, meaning “words,” + -al².
  • From the Proto-Indo-European root *leǵ-, meaning “to gather, put in order, speak.”

EXAMPLES OF LEXICAL 

  • Linguists study lexical changes to track the evolution of language.
  • A poet’s lexical precision can make even common words surprising.
20240103
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