loanword

noun

Definition of loanwordnext
as in neologism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loanword The English language comprises a hodgepodge of words borrowed from all over the globe, and a wide variety of those loanwords hail from the languages of India. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 Which brings us to the ménage à trois — for some things, only a French loanword will do — between Hayley, Yasmin, and Henry, which exists at the opposite end of the boundary-setting spectrum. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2026 For instance, people, a French loanword, may be spelled peple, pepill, poeple, or poepul. — Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025 The newest dictionary additions include loanwords from Southeast Asia, South Africa and Ireland. — Peter Guo, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2025 In fact, Mandarin itself used thousands of loanwords from Japanese and English when new disciplines such as sociology and natural science entered China’s curricula a mere century ago. — Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023 Most English loanwords borrow from languages that, like English, use the Latin alphabet. — Sarah Bunin Benor, The Conversation, 21 May 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loanword
  1. neologism
  2. coinage
  3. colloquialism
  4. euphemism
  5. term
  6. modernism
Noun
  • Are these neologisms diagnosing modern phenomena or illuminating preëxisting cultural realities?
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2025
  • These neologisms weren’t just clever.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Definition of neologism
Noun
  • As part of the yearlong celebration, the Mint is introducing one-year-only changes to familiar American coinage, including the circulating dime, quarter, and half dollar.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
  • That coinage quickly grew antiquated as programming costs necessitated steady price increases.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of coinage
Noun
  • Her vetting crusades have brought about a new Washington colloquialism.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The show chugged along nonetheless, gradually attracting fans who adored its stark cinematography and weirdo colloquialisms.
    — Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Definition of colloquialism
Noun
  • This is nothing more than a euphemism for encouraging less citizen input and involvement in determining city policies and spending priorities.
    — Joseph Landers, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sam Roberts, a longtime obituarist for the New York Times, wants to banish the euphemisms that attend death.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of euphemism
Noun
  • Simply put, acknowledging the reality—even if the administration won’t state it in these terms—of avoiding a further, major military campaign as the conflict drags on.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In relationships, the informal term refers to spouses who remain together while reducing their emotional effort, communication or involvement in the relationship.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of term
Noun
  • The story of the relationships among these artists, in particular between the older Avery and the now–stratospherically famous Rothko, shows us American modernism in its moment of greatest transition.
    — Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Museum of Modern Art in New York will stage a major exhibition examining mid-century modernism in Africa next year.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of modernism

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Cite this Entry

“Loanword.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loanword. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on loanword

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loanword

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