Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: “Writhe”

Date: November 16, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Overview

In this episode, Merriam-Webster spotlights the verb “writhe,” unraveling its meanings, etymology, and modern-day usage. The host, Peter Sokolowski, guides listeners through how "writhe" is applied in language—both literally and figuratively—while drawing connections with other English words and historical roots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• “Today's word is writhe. Spelled W-R-I-T-H-E. Writhe is a verb.” (00:42)
• To “writhe” means to twist one’s body from side to side.
• Often associated with bodily movement owing to pain.

2. Usage in Context

• The word is frequently encountered in contexts where a person or creature is twisting in pain or discomfort.
• Featured Usage:

  “There are a lot of those little guys writhing around, and I imagine most of them escaped our attention for long enough that science had to start reaching for new names.”
  — (00:53, cited from lithub.com by James)

• The host details how “writhe” describes not only pain but other scenarios requiring twisting or wriggling, such as escaping restraint or as a descriptor for dancers' movements.

3. Etymology and Related Words

• The word “writhe” comes from the Old English verb “writhan,” meaning “to twist.”

  “The word writhe wound its way to us from the Old English verb writhan, meaning to twist, and that ancestral meaning lives on in the word's current uses, most of which have to do with twists of one kind or another.” (01:16)

• Originally, “writhe” also meant “to twist into coils or folds.”
• Contrast to “wreath”:

  “The closest relation of writhe in modern English lacks any of the painful connotations... Wreath comes from the Old English wretha, which shares an ancestor with Raithan.” (02:12)

• This connection helps underline how meaning can diverge over centuries even among words with a shared root.

4. Memorable Metaphors & Imagery

• The imagery of various bugs and creatures “writhing around” (00:53) makes the word memorable and vivid.
• The host mentions poetic examples of escape:

  “...as, say, a snake from a hawk's talons.” (02:02)

• Also notes use in dance and movement devoid of pain.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The word is also not infrequently applied to the twisting bodies of dancers.” (02:05)
• “But in modern use, writhing is more often about the physical contortions of one suffering from debilitating pain or attempting to remove oneself from a tight grasp...” (01:50)
• “With your word of the day, I’m Peter Sokolowski.” (02:32)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:42 — Introduction and spelling of “writhe,” plus initial definition
• 00:53 — Example sentence and discussion of insect-related word names
• 01:16 — Etymology and origins
• 01:50 — Expanded modern meanings and detailed examples
• 02:05 — “Writhe” applied to dancers
• 02:12 — Relationship with “wreath” and divergence in meaning
• 02:32 — Closing of the word segment

Summary

This episode illuminates the word “writhe”—from its literal twisting roots in Old English, to its figurative uses today in describing pain, movement, or gentle contortions. Peter Sokolowski weaves together etymology, creative usage, and memorable examples, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of this evocative verb.