lacuna

Summary

---

Episode Overview

Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode: "lacuna"
Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski

This episode introduces and explores the word “lacuna,” delving into its definitions, origins, plural forms, and related words. The host, Peter Sokolowski, provides both linguistic context and a memorable literary quotation to bring the word to life.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Usage of "Lacuna"

• Primary Meaning:

  • "Lacuna is a noun. It's a formal word that refers to a gap or blank space in something, in other words, a missing part."
  • (00:43)

• Scientific/Biological Meaning:

  • "When used with respect to biology, lacuna also refers to a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure."
  • (00:56)

2. Example in Literature

• Memorable Sentence:
  • "Here's the word used in a sentence from the New Yorker by Casey:
    'At the heart of every biography lies a lacuna, something unknowable, no matter how candid or heavily documented the subject, no matter how familiar or diligent the biographer.'"
  • (01:10)

3. Etymology and Related Words

• Etymological Backstory:

  • "If you find yourself drawing a blank when it comes to the definition of the word lacuna, it might help to imagine drawing water instead, ideally from a lake or lagoon. Lacuna, lake, and lagoon all come ultimately from lacus, the Latin word for lake."

  • (01:30)

  • "Latin speakers modified lacus into lacuna to form a word meaning pit, gap, or pool. When English speakers borrowed the term in the 17th century, they used it to refer to a figurative gap in or missing portion of something, such as information or text."

  • (01:45)

4. Plural Forms & Notable Relatives

• Pluralization:

  • "Note that lacuna comes with two plurals: the Latin lacunae or lacunae (spelled L-A-C-U-N-A-E), or the Anglicized lacunas with an s at the end of lacuna."
  • (02:01)

• Related Term—Lagoon:

  • "Lagoon, meanwhile, hewed closer to the Latin lacuna, referring first to a shallow sound channel or pond near or connected to a larger body of water, and later to a shallow, artificial pool or pond."
  • (02:15)

5. Host Sign-off

• Closing Line:
  • "With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski."
  • (02:30)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Biography and the Unknowable:

  • "At the heart of every biography lies a lacuna, something unknowable, no matter how candid or heavily documented the subject, no matter how familiar or diligent the biographer."
    — (New Yorker, cited by Peter Sokolowski at 01:13)

• Etymological Connection:

  • "Lacuna, lake and lagoon all come ultimately from lacus, the Latin word for lake."
    — Peter Sokolowski (01:32)

• Helpful Visualization:

  • "If you find yourself drawing a blank when it comes to the definition of the word lacuna, it might help to imagine drawing water instead, ideally from a lake or lagoon."
    — Peter Sokolowski (01:27)

---

Timestamps & Segments

• 00:43 — Definition and formal usage
• 00:56 — Biological/scientific context
• 01:10 — Example from literature (The New Yorker)
• 01:30 — Etymology; connection to Latin "lacus"
• 02:01 — Discussion of plural forms; lacunae vs. lacunas
• 02:15 — Notes on word "lagoon" and its relation
• 02:30 — Host sign-off

---

Summary

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day explores the word lacuna, unpacking its meanings in both everyday and scientific language, and drawing engaging links to its Latin origins and related terms like “lake” and “lagoon.” Listeners receive pronunciation guidance, plural variations, and a literary example emphasizing the beauty and utility of this expressive word.

Peter Sokolowski’s clear explanations and illustrative quotations ensure that both word lovers and casual listeners leave with a richer understanding—and perhaps a new favorite word to use when they encounter gaps in knowledge or writing.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

It's the word of the day for May 21st.

[C]

Insurance isn't one size fits all. That's why customers have enjoyed Progressive's name your price tool for years now. With the name your price tool, you tell them what you want to pay, and they'll show you options that fit your budget. So whether you're picking out your first policy or just looking for something that works better for you and your family, you're they make it easy to see your options. Visit progressive.com find a rate that works for you with the name your price tool. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates Price and Coverage match limited by state law,

[B]

today's word is lacuna, also pronounced lacuna and spelled L A C U N A. Lacuna is a noun. It's a formal word that refers to a gap or blank space in something, in other words, a missing part. When used with respect to biology, lacuna also refers to a small cavity, pit, or discontinuity in an anatomical structure. Here's the word used in a sentence from the New Yorker by Casey at the heart of every biography lies a lacuna, something unknowable, no matter how candid or heavily documented the subject, no matter how familiar or diligent the biographer. If you find yourself drawing a blank when it comes to the definition of the word lacuna, it might help to imagine drawing water instead, ideally from a lake or lagoon. Lacuna, lake and lagoon all come ultimately from lacus, the Latin word for lake. Latin speakers modified lacus into lacuna to form a word meaning pit, gap, or pool. When English speakers borrowed the term in the 17th century, they used it to refer to a figurative gap in or missing portion of something, such as information or text. Note that lacuna comes with two plural the Latin lacunae or lacunae, spelled L A C U, n A, e, or the Anglicized lacunas with an s at the end of lacuna. Lagoon, meanwhile, hewed closer to the Latin lacuna, referring first to a shallow sound channel or pond near or connected to a larger body of water, and later to a shallow, artificial pool or pond. With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.

[A]

Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups.