book word

noun

: a word learned solely or principally from reading and often understood without knowledge of its customary pronunciation
eleemosynary is a book word
fine book words and long sentences—Charles Kingsley

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of book word was circa 1670

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Dictionary Entries Near book word

book wagon

book word

bookwork

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Book word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/book%20word. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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