Date
Monday
Apr
21

April 21

Big Word Day

Expand your vocabulary and join in on the fun of Big Word Day! Challenge yourself to use new words and impress everyone with your linguistic skills.

Yearly Date
April 21
Type
Day
Category
Fun

Introduction

Get your dictionaries ready because April 21 is Big Word Day! This unique holiday was created to celebrate and appreciate the beauty and power of words. Whether you're a logophile (a lover of words) or just want to expand your vocabulary, this day is the perfect opportunity to learn some new "big" words and impress your friends. Did you know that the longest word in the English language has 189,819 letters? While we may not be able to pronounce it, there are plenty of other interesting facts about words and language to discover on this day. So let's celebrate the richness of language together on Big Word Day!

Big Word Day Timeline

1879
Oxford English Dictionary
In 1879, work began on the Oxford English Dictionary, which today is a critically-acclaimed source of word definitions, etymology, and linguistic knowledge.
1939
First Crossword Dictionary
The first dictionary specifically designed for crossword puzzle enthusiasts was published, making big and complex words popular pastime.
1972
Scrabble Club Formation
The National Scrabble Association was formed in the USA, encouraging the discovery and discussion of big words among board game lovers.
1995
Spelling Bee Broadcast
The Scripps National Spelling Bee competition started being broadcasted on ESPN, bringing big words into living rooms around the nation.
2005
Big Word Day Initiation
Big Word Day was officially marked on April 21, dedicating a full day to the appreciation and usage of grandiloquent words.
2012
Digital Vocabulary
Websites and apps focused on learning vocabulary gained popularity, allowing people worldwide to learn and share their favorite big words.

How to Celebrate Big Word Day

1

Expand your vocabulary

On Big Word Day, challenge yourself to learn and use new and impressive words in your everyday conversations. This will not only improve your vocabulary, but also make you feel more confident and intelligent.

2

Play word games

Gather some friends or family members and play a word game like Scrabble or Bananagrams to celebrate Big Word Day. This is a fun and interactive way to learn new words and challenge your language skills.

3

Read a book with impressive vocabulary

Choose a book that is known for its use of advanced vocabulary and make it your goal to finish it on Big Word Day. Not only will you expand your vocabulary, but you'll also have a great time reading a captivating story.

4

Attend a lecture or seminar

Look for any lectures or seminars happening in your area that focus on language, literature, or communication. This is a great way to celebrate Big Word Day and learn something new about the power of words.

5

Write a poem or short story

Challenge yourself to write a poem or short story using as many big words as possible. This will not only be a fun and creative way to celebrate the day, but also a great exercise for your brain.

Why We Love Big Word Day

A

Discover new and unique words

Big Word Day is a great opportunity to learn and use big, interesting words that you may not have encountered before. Expand your vocabulary and impress your friends with your linguistic skills!

B

Improve communication skills

Using more complex and sophisticated words can help improve your communication skills - whether it be in written or spoken form. Plus, learning big words can make it easier to understand others who use them regularly.

C

Challenge yourself

Trying to incorporate big words into your daily speech or writing can be a fun challenge. Test your knowledge and see how many new words you can learn and use on Big Word Day - the sky's the limit!

Big Word Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 20
Thursday
2024
Apr 20
Saturday
2025
Apr 20
Sunday
2026
Apr 20
Monday
2027
Apr 20
Tuesday