Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Sonorous" (October 5, 2025)

Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, hosted by Peter Sokolowski, explores the word "sonorous", unpacking its definition, usage, etymology, and nuanced meanings in both everyday and formal contexts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Pronunciation

• Sonorous (spelled S-O-N-O-R-O-U-S) is introduced as an adjective.
• Used in formal speech and writing, it most commonly describes something with a deep, loud, and pleasant sound.
• It can also mean:
  • Producing sound when struck
  • Imposing or impressive in effect or style

Usage in Context

• [00:49] Sentence Example:

  "The sonorous notes of a modern pipe organ were the soundtrack to my tour, enhancing the sense of reverence the cathedral inspires."

• Highlights the atmospheric quality and emotional impact of "sonorous" sounds, particularly in reverential or grand settings.

Philosophical Twist

• [01:08] The host plays on the classic thought experiment:

  "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, is it sonorous? Don't be thrown off by the subtle tweak in this classic conundrum, which usually ends with 'does it make a sound?'. It's still the same question."

• This moment cleverly ties philosophy and linguistics, showing "sonorous" in a playful, thought-provoking context.

Etymology and Historical Usage

• [01:31]

  • "Sonorous" derives from the Latin sonorus, related to sonus, meaning "sound".
  • The oldest sense of "sonorous" describes things that make a sound when struck (e.g., trees, musical instruments).

• Clarifies that everyday objects ("a desktop tapped by a pencil eraser") are typically not described as "sonorous."

Distinctiveness and Scope

• [02:06]
  • Emphasizes the word’s usage is best reserved for "things that make a deep, loud, booming, or echoing sound."
  • Examples: timpanis (kettledrums), toppling timber—not tables or small, dull sounds.
• "Sonorous" is also invoked to describe:
  • Sounds and voices that are "deep, loud, and pleasant"
  • Speech or prose that is "imposing or impressive in effect or style"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [01:40] "Sonorous in its oldest sense simply describes things that make a sound when struck. The word's Latin ancestor, sonorus, is related to sonus, meaning sound." – Peter Sokolowski

• [02:21] "As sonorous sounds often cause one to sit up and take notice, sonorous can also mean imposing or impressive in effect or style, as when describing particularly affecting speech or prose." – Peter Sokolowski

• [01:15] "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, is it sonorous?" – Peter Sokolowski

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] — Introduction of the word "sonorous"
• [00:35] — Example in a sentence (modern pipe organ)
• [01:08] — Classic conundrum twist: "If a tree falls… is it sonorous?"
• [01:31] — Etymology and traditional meaning
• [02:06] — Clarifying appropriate usage (deep, loud sounds)
• [02:21] — Additional figurative meanings and usage in rhetoric

Summary

This episode succinctly delves into the layered meanings and usage of "sonorous," complementing definitions with etymological background, context-rich examples, and playful commentary. Host Peter Sokolowski balances scholarly insight with accessible language and memorable phrasing, making "sonorous" resonate both as a word and as a concept.

For more, visit merriam-webster.com for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.