Episode Overview

Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode Title: loll
Date: January 6, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski (for Merriam-Webster)

This episode dives into the word "loll," exploring its definition, origin, usage, and related words. The episode clarifies that the word is unrelated to the internet abbreviation "lol" and encourages listeners to enrich their vocabulary with a calming, evocative verb.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Usage

• "Loll" (verb)
  • Means "to droop or hang loosely."
  • Can also mean "to act or move in a relaxed or lazy manner."
• Example Sentence (00:36):
  • "Just across the highway at Ano Nuevo State Park, elephant seals loll lazily on the beach."
    — Citation from Saveur, quoting Scott.

Clarification on Common Confusion

• Despite similarities, "loll" is not related to "LOL" (laugh out loud) (00:45):
  • Quote: "Despite appearances, loll isn't an exaggerated version of the abbreviation lol. It isn't even related to laughing."
    — Peter Sokolowski

Etymology & Related Words

• "Loll" is associated with relaxation, both literally and figuratively (00:55):
  • Like "lull," which means "to cause to rest or sleep"
  • Likely comes from imitative origins — mimicking soft sounds people make while resting or soothing (01:00).
• Part of a family of "L verbs" with similar meanings:
  • Examples: loaf, lounge, and again loaf (repeated, likely for emphasis)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the word's true meaning (00:50):

  • "Instead, it's about hanging out—both literally and figuratively."
    — Peter Sokolowski

• On origin and sound (01:00):

  • "It probably originated as an imitation of the soft sounds people make when resting or trying to soothe someone else to sleep."
    — Peter Sokolowski

• On the word's relatives (01:12):

  • "In addition to meaning to hang loosely, as in a dog with its tongue lolling out, loll shares a meaning with a number of L verbs that are all about taking it easy, including loaf, lounge, and loaf."
    — Peter Sokolowski

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:06 – Word of the Day introduction
• 00:12 – Definition and main usages
• 00:36 – Example sentence
• 00:45 – Clarification: not related to "LOL"
• 00:55 – Connection to "lull" and origin
• 01:12 – Related words and examples

Episode Tone

Friendly, clear, and informative—Peter Sokolowski’s delivery is accessible, light, and enthusiastic about sharing language insights with listeners.

Summary

This episode demystifies "loll," showing it's not for laughing but for relaxing, both in language and in life. Listeners come away with an understanding of the word’s origins, siblings in the English language, and practical sentence use. Perfect for anyone seeking to add an evocative, calming verb to their vocabulary!