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

Episode Date: August 30, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Word: protocol

Episode Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day explores the word "protocol" — its definitions, uses, and etymological roots. The host, Peter Sokolowski, breaks down both the word’s contemporary meanings and its historical development, with insights from an etymology expert. The episode aims to expand listeners’ understanding of "protocol" across various contexts, making the term both accessible and interesting to casual word lovers and serious language enthusiasts alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Main Definition and Practical Uses

[00:42] Peter Sokolowski:

• Announces the word: "protocol," spelling it out for clarity.
• Main general meaning:
  • "Protocol is a noun. It most often refers to a system of rules explaining the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in a formal situation."
• Additional specialized meanings:
  • In computer programming: "A protocol is a set of rules used in formatting data."
  • In science and medicine: "Protocol can also refer to a plan for a scientific experiment or medical treatment."
  • Diplomacy: "Or to a document that describes the details of a diplomatic treaty."
• Example sentence:

  “Back in the UK, it’s still unclear what kind of royal life, if any, lies ahead for Archie and Lilibet. While they hold their princely and princess titles bestowed upon them following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, their day-to-day lives in Montecito are a world away from palace protocol.” (01:25)

2. Etymology and Historical Development

[01:35] Etymology Expert:

• Gives the Greek origin:
  • "In late Greek, the word protocolon referred to the first sheet of papyrus roll bearing the date of its manufacture."
• Details the physical context:
  • "In some instances, it consisted of a flyleaf that was glued to the outside of a manuscript's case and provided a description of its contents." (01:46)
• Word roots: From Greek “prot-” meaning “first,” and “kolan,” “to glue together:”

  "Protocolon gave us our word protocol. In its earliest uses in the 15th century, the word referred to a record of a document or transaction." (01:53)

• Evolution of meaning:
  • By the 18th century: “Used for the original record or minutes of a diplomatic negotiation.”
  • Later: Became associated with “the etiquette observed by heads of state in ceremonies and relations with other dignitaries.”
  • Now: “This sense has since extended in meaning to cover any code of proper conduct.” (02:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the primary meaning:

  “It most often refers to a system of rules explaining the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in a formal situation.”
  — Peter Sokolowski, [00:44]

• On historical roots:

  “In late Greek, the word protocolon referred to the first sheet of papyrus roll bearing the date of its manufacture.”
  — Etymology Expert, [01:35]

• On the evolution of the word:

  “By the turn of the 18th century, it was being used for the original record or minutes of a diplomatic negotiation, and still later for the etiquette observed by heads of state in ceremonies and relations with other dignitaries, this sense has since extended in meaning to cover any code of proper conduct.”
  — Etymology Expert, [02:03]

• Pop culture connection:

  “Their day-to-day lives in Montecito are a world away from palace protocol.”
  — Example from Hello! Magazine, cited at [01:30]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:42 — Definition and usages of "protocol" (Peter Sokolowski)
• 01:25 — Example usage in a sentence (Hello! Magazine, royal family context)
• 01:35 — Greek etymology and historical context (Etymology Expert and Peter Sokolowski)
• 02:20 — Evolution from documents to broader codes of conduct (Etymology Expert)

Episode Tone & Language

The tone is educational, precise, and inviting—typical of Merriam-Webster’s daily word explorations. The hosts maintain clarity and provide vivid examples, ensuring the word’s meaning and history are made memorable for listeners.

Conclusion

This concise episode provides a multifaceted look at "protocol," unpacking its nuances from the papyrus scrolls of ancient Greece to the formal halls of modern diplomacy—and even to everyday expectations of conduct or technical standards. The blend of historical origin and timely, relatable examples gives listeners a well-rounded grasp of the word’s significance in various arenas of life.