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

Episode Release Date: May 2, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Introduction to the Word "Ziggurat"

In the May 2nd episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day," host Peter Sokolowski delves into the rich history and multifaceted significance of the word "ziggurat." This term not only encapsulates architectural grandeur but also bridges ancient civilizations with modern linguistic usage.

Definition and Etymology

At [00:43], Peter Sokolowski provides a comprehensive definition of "ziggurat":

"Ziggurat is a noun. It's an ancient Mesopotamian temple consisting of a pyramidal structure built in successive stages with outside staircases and a shallow top."

Sokolowski emphasizes that while traditionally associated with Mesopotamian temples, the term "ziggurat" has been adapted to describe any similarly shaped structure, highlighting its architectural versatility.

Usage Example in Literature

To illustrate the word's application, Sokolowski references a sentence from Alex Greenberger's Art in America:

"The Breuer Building, the former home of the Whitney Museum on New York's Upper East Side, counts as one of the defining buildings of the brutalist movement. Completed in 1966, it was designed by Marcel Breuer, who envisioned the structure as an inverted ziggurat."

This example underscores how "ziggurat" transcends its ancient origins, finding relevance in contemporary architectural discourse.

Architectural Significance

Sokolowski explores the architectural implications of the ziggurat design:

"Marcel Breuer's conception of the Breuer Building as an inverted ziggurat demonstrates the enduring influence of ancient architectural forms on modern design."

The stepped, tiered structure of ziggurats inspired architects like Breuer to experiment with form and function, integrating historical aesthetics into 20th-century brutalist architecture.

Archaeological Insights and Linguistic Evolution

Delving into the linguistic journey of the word, Sokolowski recounts the contributions of French professor Francois Lenormand:

"Francois Lenormand spent a great deal of time poring over ancient Assyrian texts. In those cuneiform inscriptions, he pieced together the long-forgotten language now known as Akkadian, which proved valuable to our understanding of the ancient civilization."

Through his meticulous studies, Lenormand uncovered the Akkadian term "ziguratu," which directly inspired the English word "ziggurat." This etymological evolution highlights the interplay between archaeology and language, showcasing how ancient discoveries can enrich modern vocabulary.

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski's exploration of "ziggurat" offers listeners an enlightening glimpse into the word's architectural roots and linguistic heritage. By tracing its journey from ancient Mesopotamian temples to modern architectural marvels and its adoption into English through scholarly research, the episode not only defines a word but also narrates the story of cultural and historical continuity.

For more definitions, wordplay, and trending words, visit merriam-webster.com.

Notable Quote:

"Ziggurat is a noun. It's an ancient Mesopotamian temple consisting of a pyramidal structure built in successive stages with outside staircases and a shallow top."
— Peter Sokolowski at [00:43]