Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Episode: Vertiginous
Date: February 15, 2026
Host: Peter Sokolowski (on behalf of Merriam-Webster)
Overview
This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day explores the word "vertiginous". Host Peter Sokolowski delves into its definition, usage (both literal and figurative), etymology, and related words, illustrating how it vividly captures physical and emotional sensations associated with dizziness and heights.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Definition & Spelling
- Spelling: V-E-R-T-I-G-I-N-O-U-S
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Meaning:
- Formally describes something that causes or is likely to cause a feeling of dizziness, particularly due to great height.
- Used both literally (physical dizziness) and figuratively (metaphorical "dizzying heights" or extremes).
[00:42]
"Vertiginous is an adjective. It's a formal adjective used to describe something that causes or is likely to cause a feeling of dizziness, especially because of great height."
— Peter Sokolowski
2. Examples in Use
- From Travel and Leisure:
"The climb is infamous for its heart bumping switchbacks and vertiginous jaunt along a narrow sliver of crag. Those who fear heights, like me typically avoid it.”
[00:56] - Reference to Hitchcock’s film Vertigo:
“The climactic scene of Hitchcock's classic thriller Vertigo features, appropriately, a dramatic climb and fall from a vertiginous bell tower.”
[01:10]
3. Etymology
- Root:
- Derived from Latin vertiginosus (adjective), which comes from the noun vertigo (“a turning or whirling action”).
- Ultimately stems from the verb vertere (“to turn”).
[01:25]
“Vertiginous, which describes things that cause vertigo… comes from the Latin adjective vertiginosus, which in turn comes from the Latin noun vertigo, meaning a turning or whirling action."
— Peter Sokolowski - Related words:
- Vertiginous and vertigo are part of a “dizzying array” of words from vertere, including adverse and vortex.
4. Figurative Usage
- The word’s dizzying sense is often employed beyond the literal, for example:
"The dizzying sense of vertiginous is often used figuratively, as in the vertiginous heights of cinematic legend."
[01:52]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Memorable Etymology:
"Vertiginous and vertigo are just two of an almost dizzying array of verterae offspring, from the word adverse to the word vortex."
[01:35] - Cinematic Example:
"The climactic scene of Hitchcock's classic thriller Vertigo features, appropriately, a dramatic climb and fall from a vertiginous bell tower."
[01:10] - Host’s Personal Note:
"Those who fear heights, like me, typically avoid it."
[01:03]
Timeline of Main Segments
- [00:42] – Introduction and definition of "vertiginous"
- [00:56] – Real-life and literary sentence examples
- [01:10] – Movie reference (Vertigo)
- [01:25] – Etymological background and related words
- [01:52] – Explanation of figurative usage
- [02:12] – Invitation to visit merriam-webster.com for more
Final Takeaway
The episode highlights "vertiginous" as a precise, vivid term for describing literal or figurative sensations of dizziness—often tied to great heights or overwhelming extremes. Its rich Latin roots connect it to a family of evocative English words, making it a valuable addition for anyone looking to add depth and color to their vocabulary.