National Dictionary Day: Look it up!

As far as holidays go, October 16 is a b-i-g-g-y. Not only is it National Feral Cat Day, National Liqueur Day, World Food Day and National Boss Day, Oct. 16 also commemorates a very special birthday. In a word, it's National Dictionary Day.

Noah Webster

On this day back in 1758, Noah Webster was born. Webster was one of America’s most famous lexicographers (look it up!) In 1806, this lover of words went on to publish the first American dictionary, “A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language.”

In 1828, he published his “An American Dictionary of the English Language” which included 70,000 entries in 26 languages! Imagine writing a book without a computer or typewriter! The G & C Merriam Co., bought Webster’s unsold copies, secured the rights to create revised editions and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary was born. Noah Webster died in 1843.

How to Celebrate National Dictionary Day

• In honor of National Dictionary Day, why not dust off the old dictionary and learn a few new words?

• Make it a habit to learn a new word every day by visiting Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day website.

• Play a free online game of Hangman or Hang Mouse.

• Gather up the family and get your Scrabble on!

• PBS Kids has a slew of free online word games for the kiddies.