Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Imprimatur"

Episode Date: October 12, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day delves into the word "imprimatur." Host Peter Sokolowski explains its meaning, origins, and a notable usage in context, illuminating how the term extends from its roots in publishing into general English as a marker of formal approval.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• [00:42]
  • Word: imprimatur
  • Pronunciation: im-prih-MAH-ter or im-prih-MAY-ter
  • Spelling: I-M-P-R-I-M-A-T-U-R
  • Part of Speech: Noun
  • Meaning:
    • Explicit approval or permission, often formal or official in nature.

2. Usage in Context

• [00:52]
  • Example Sentence (from Gerald Early’s “Play the Triumph of Black Baseball in America”):
    • "It is not overstating to say that Frederick Douglass was a baseball man. He attended games, supported his son's involvement, and even played catch with his grandchildren. Douglass support gave black baseball an imprimatur of race approval. As an activity that uplifted the race. It was not frivolous for black men to pursue this sport as an avocation or even as a vocation."
  • Insight:
    • The host highlights how "imprimatur" is used to signify Douglass’s support as a crucial approval or endorsement, shaping perceptions and legitimizing black baseball.

3. Etymology & Historical Development

• [01:40]
  • Origin:
    • Derived from New Latin "imprimatur," which means “let it be printed.”
    • Rooted in the Latin verb "imprimere," meaning "to imprint or impress."
  • Historical Usage:
    • In the 1600s, "imprimatur" would appear on the front matter of books alongside the name of the official authorizing the book’s printing—signifying formal approval for publication.
  • Evolution in English:
    • Over time, "imprimatur" evolved beyond publishing and is now used more broadly to indicate any form of official or authoritative approval.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Peter Sokolowski, explaining the core meaning [00:42]:

  • "Imprimatur is a noun. It's a formal word that refers to explicit approval or permission."

• Gerald Early, quoted in the example [00:52]:

  • "Douglass support gave black baseball an imprimatur of race approval."

• Etymology explained by Peter Sokolowski [01:40]:

  • "'Imprimatur' means 'let it be printed' in New Latin... In time, English speakers began using 'imprimatur' in the general sense of official approval."

Key Timestamps

• 00:42 — Definition, pronunciation, and spelling of "imprimatur"
• 00:52 — Example usage from Gerald Early
• 01:40 — Etymology and history of the term

Tone and Delivery

Peter Sokolowski’s tone remains informative, engaging, and concise throughout, suitable for listeners seeking both quick learning and deeper appreciation of language. The use of a strong historical example provides added depth and cultural context.

Summary

This episode unpacks "imprimatur"—from its Latin roots in publishing to its current usage as a marker of formal approval. Through a well-chosen literary example and a clear etymological breakdown, Peter Sokolowski offers listeners an instantly usable and historically-rich new word for their vocabulary.