Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day — "umpteen" (February 24, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Merriam-Webster's Peter Sokolowski explores the word "umpteen," an informal adjective referring to a very large but unspecified number. The episode dives into the etymology and playful nature of "umpteen," situating it among other whimsical English words for large, indefinite quantities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Usage

• Definition:

  • "Umpteen" (adjective): Very many; indefinitely numerous.
  • [00:32]

• Example Sentence:

  • "The life of a showgirl often includes umpteen costume changes, elaborate props, and copious amounts of hairspray." (from The Economist)
  • [00:40]

Comparisons with Similar Words

• Playful Synonyms:

  • English offers a variety of playful, exaggerated words for big numbers: "zillion," "bazillion," "kazillion," "jillion," and "bajillion." These typically add a consonant or syllable to "-illion" (as in "million") for extra flair.

  • [00:48]

  • Host Note:

    • "There may not be a gazillion ways in English to refer to a large indefinite number, but there are definitely more than a soupçon."
    • — Peter Sokolowski [00:45]

The Origins of "Umpteen"

• Etymology:

  • "Umpteen" is formed using "ump-" from "umpty," combined with "-teen," mimicking numbers like "sixteen" or "nineteen."
  • "Umpty" was originally an adjective meaning "such and such" (e.g., "umpty percent") and emerged in the latter half of the 1800s.
  • [01:05]

• Related Words:

  • While "umpty" is rarely used today, "umpteen" and "umteeth" (referring to the latest or last in a series) are still common for describing large and sometimes impatiently counted series.

  • [01:20]

  • Host Note:

    • "We only occasionally use 'umpty' these days, but you're bound to hear or read 'umpteen' and 'umteenth,' meaning the latest or last in an indefinitely numerous series any number of times with your word of the day."
    • — Peter Sokolowski [01:23]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "There may not be a gazillion ways in English to refer to a large indefinite number, but there are definitely more than a soupçon."
  — Peter Sokolowski [00:45]

• "The adjective 'umpteen' does the same for '-teen,' with the 'umph' provided by the 'ump' in 'umpty.'"
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:11]

• "We only occasionally use 'umpty' these days, but you're bound to hear or read 'umpteen' and 'umteenth,' meaning the latest or last in an indefinitely numerous series any number of times with your word of the day."
  — Peter Sokolowski [01:23]

Episode Timestamps

• [00:32] — Introduction and spelling of "umpteen"
• [00:40] — Example in a sentence (from The Economist)
• [00:48] — Other playful words for large numbers
• [01:05] — Etymology: "umpty" and formation of "umpteen"
• [01:20] — Current usage and cousin terms
• [01:23] — Closing remarks from Peter Sokolowski

Summary

This succinct but engaging episode celebrates the creativity of English when referencing large, undefined numbers. "Umpteen" stands out as a fun example with roots in the word "umpty," echoing the flexible, playful spirit of the language. The episode leaves listeners with both the origin and contemporary usage of "umpteen," reinforcing its place in everyday English vernacular.