Sesquipedalian - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT sesquipedalian /ˌˈsɛskwəpəˌdeɪljən/ IPA guide

Use the adjective sesquipedalian to describe a word that's very long and multisyllabic. For example the word sesquipedalian is in fact sesquipedalian.

Sesquipedalian can also be used to describe someone or something that overuses big words, like a philosophy professor or a chemistry textbook. If someone gives a sesquipedalian speech, people often assume it was smart, even if they don’t really know what it was about because they can’t understand the words. Each of those long words is referred to as a sesquipedalia. Antidisestablishmentarianism is a sesquipedalia: in fact it’s the longest non-coined and nontechnical word in the English language.

Definitions of sesquipedalian

noun a very long word (a foot and a half long) synonyms: sesquipedalia see moresee less type of: polysyllabic word, polysyllable a word of more than three syllables
adjective given to the overuse of long words “sesquipedalian orators” “this sesquipedalian way of saying one has no money” synonyms: pretentious making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
adjective (of words) long and ponderous; having many syllables “sesquipedalian technical terms” synonyms: polysyllabic long primarily spatial sense; of relatively great or greater than average spatial extension or extension as specified

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘sesquipedalian'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing sesquipedalian

There's A Word for That

Some words have lots of synonyms, but the words on this list require a phrase or even sentence to replace them. Say exactly what you mean with these evocative words that have no equals.

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Them's fightin' words. Well, friendly competition words, anyway! Here are some of the terms associated with the Vocabulary Bowl, in which schools compete to master the most words.

Words for "Language Junkies"

Is it possible to take vocabulary expansion too far? A piece in the Wall Street Journal points out the situations where word knowledge can work against you. True sesquipedalians, or "word nerds" need to be careful of the words they chose lest they alienate people they're trying to impress, or just render themselves incomprehensible. Just for fun, we've rounded up the offending words quoted in the Journal piece, into a List for "Language Junkies." Whether you relish these words or think of them as ones to avoid, it's fun to look them over, add them to your learning at Vocabulary.com.

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