Definition

A newly created word or expression that is not yet widely used or accepted.

Example

The term 'selfie' is a popular neologism that describes a self-taken photograph.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new word they just added to the dictionary?

Yeah, it’s a perfect example of a neologism in our language today.

I wonder how many neologisms we’ll see in the next few years.

Probably a lot, especially with how fast language evolves!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Neologism → It is formed from "neo-" (from Greek "neos", meaning new) and "logism" (from Greek "logos", meaning word or speech). The word "neologism" refers to a new word or expression that has been recently coined or introduced into a language.

Memory Tip

Think of 'neo-' meaning 'new' and 'logos' meaning 'word' — a neologism is simply a new word.

Visually Confused Words