Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: "Immure"
Date: March 13, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day
Overview
In this concise episode, the Merriam-Webster team explores the word "immure," delving into its definition, origins, and use in context. The episode demonstrates how "immure" can be used both literally and figuratively, connecting its historical roots to contemporary language.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Definition of "Immure"
- Primary meaning:
- "To immure something is to enclose it within, or as if within walls." (00:33-00:36, D)
- Extended meanings:
- Sometimes used synonymously with "imprison."
- Can also mean to "entomb" or more broadly, to "shut in." (01:44-01:57, E)
2. Example Usage
- Quote from The New York Times:
- Discussing the hidden Torlonia marble collection in Rome:
"...the Torlonia collection, which Alessandro Torlonia moved into a private museum in Rome in 1875, went into hiding in the early 19[00s] for disputes among family members and with the government, left the marbles hidden away, gathering dust and grime for all those years. Scholars had to beg and bribe to get in. One government official, desperate to see what gems the Torlonia prince had immured, resorted to dressing up as a cleaner." (00:44–01:16, B, D)
- Discussing the hidden Torlonia marble collection in Rome:
3. Etymology and Origins
- Language Roots:
- "Like the word mural, immure comes from murus, a Latin noun meaning wall." (01:19–01:25, B)
- Morphological Development:
- "Immure came to English by way of the medieval Latin verb immorare, formed from murus and the prefix in meaning in or within." (01:25–01:31, E)
- "Immure, which first appeared in English in the late 16th century, literally means to wall in, or to enclose with a wall." (01:35–01:41, B, E)
4. Contemporary Application
- Broader Use Example:
- "One might remark, for example, that a very studious acquaintance spends most of her time immured in the library." (01:57–02:02, B, E)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Definition:
"To immure something is to enclose it within, or as if within walls." (00:33, D)
-
On Etymology:
"Like the word mural, immure comes from murus, a Latin noun meaning wall." (01:19, B)
-
On Contextual Use:
"One government official, desperate to see what gems the Torlonia prince had immured, resorted to dressing up as a cleaner." (01:14–01:16, D)
-
On Figurative Use:
"One might remark, for example, that a very studious acquaintance spends most of her time immured in the library." (01:57–02:02, B, E)
Important Timestamps
- 00:27 — Introduction of the word "immure" and its basic definition
- 00:44 — Example from The New York Times
- 01:19 — Discussion of word origins and etymology
- 01:57 — Example of figurative use
Conclusion
The episode delivers a focused and insightful look at the verb "immure," tracing its roots from Latin to modern usage and providing memorable examples, both historical and contemporary. The explanations, grounded in clear and accessible language, invite listeners to incorporate "immure" into their own vocabularies.