Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day — “Litany” (October 23, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers around the word "litany"—its meanings, history, and usage—offering listeners a concise yet rich exploration of the word’s origins and evolving definitions. Hosted by Peter Sokolowski, the episode is designed to boost listeners’ vocabulary, focusing on the etymology and nuances of "litany," while showcasing its use in literature.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition & Usage

• Definition (00:41):
  • "Litany" is a noun.
  • Primary modern meaning: a long list of complaints or problems.
  • Other meanings include:
    • A sizable series or set.
    • A lengthy recitation.
    • A repetitive chant.
    • A specific kind of call-and-response prayer.

Literary Reference

• Quote from Literature (00:52):
  • The episode features a poetic excerpt from What Kept You by Raza Jamshed, illustrating the word in context:

    "Spilled the litany of all the names of all the things you thought I still feared. A big bad wolf, a two headed snake, a balding hyena, a beast dropped from the sky, an earthquake. A devil with red bells around its neck. Your words were steady, steeped in the old stories. But my eyes flicked to the window, unafraid. I was too old for easy monsters."

  • This passage shows "litany" not just as a literal list, but as a metaphor for recurring fears and stories.

Historical Development & Figurative Senses

• Origins and Evolution (01:32):
  • The word traces back to the 13th century and originally referred to a call and response prayer in which lines are alternately spoken by a leader and congregation—a sense still in use today.
  • Over centuries, "litany" developed three main figurative senses:
    1. Repetitive chant
    2. Lengthy recitation ("owing to the repetitious and sometimes interminable nature of the original litany")
    3. Any sizable series or set (often unpleasant, but not always)

Noteworthy Reflection

• Appreciation for Versatility (02:00):
  • The host remarks on the word’s versatility:

    "Though litanies of this third sort tend to be unpleasant, we choose today to think of the loveliness found in the idea of a litany of sonnets by Elizabeth Barrett Browning." — Peter Sokolowski [02:11]

  • This moment underscores how "litany" can refer to something beautiful, not just burdensome.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Literary Illustration:
  "Spilled the litany of all the names of all the things you thought I still feared…" — from What Kept You by Raza Jamshed [00:52]

• On the Word’s History:
  "We love its original 13th century meaning... referring to a call and response prayer in which a series of lines are spoken alternately by a leader and a congregation." — Peter Sokolowski [01:32]

• On Figurative Uses:
  "We love how litany has developed in the intervening centuries three figurative senses. And we love each of these as well." — Peter Sokolowski [01:40]

• On Finding Loveliness:
  "Though litanies of this third sort tend to be unpleasant, we choose today to think of the loveliness found in the idea of a litany of sonnets by Elizabeth Barrett Browning." — Peter Sokolowski [02:11]

Important Timestamps

• 00:41: Introduction and spelling of “litany”; concise definitions
• 00:52: Usage in literature (What Kept You by Raza Jamshed)
• 01:32: Exploration of word’s original meaning and historical roots
• 01:40-02:11: Elaboration of figurative meanings, concluding with a positive reflection

Episode Summary

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day delivers a compact yet insightful look at the word "litany," highlighting its journey from liturgical origins to figurative everyday uses. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the word’s rich connotations—both burdensome and beautiful—and are encouraged to appreciate the breadth of its application in language and literature.