neologism

Neologism is defined as a new word or a new use for an old word, or the act of making up new words.

(noun)

  1. An example of a neologism is the word webinar, for a seminar on the web or the Internet.
  2. An example of neologism is a comedian coining new terms on a TV show like Stephen Colbert’s creation of the term “truthiness.”

(noun)

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See neologism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a new word or a new meaning for an established word
  2. the use of, or the practice of creating, new words or new meanings for established words

Origin: Fr néologisme: see neo-, -logy, & -ism

Related Forms:

See neologism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A new word, expression, or usage.
  2. The creation or use of new words or senses.
  3. Psychology
    a. The invention of new words regarded as a symptom of certain psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
    b. A word so invented.
  4. Theology A new doctrine or a new interpretation of scripture.

Related Forms:

  • ne·olˈo·gist noun
  • ne·olˌo·gisˈtic, ne·olˌo·gisˈti·cal adjective

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