nonword
noun
non·word
ˌnän-ˈwərd 
: a word that has no meaning, is not known to exist, or is disapproved
Examples of nonword in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pigeons mastered that task and transferred their knowledge to new sets of words and nonwords by using spelling strategies akin to those practiced by primary school pupils.
—
Onur Güntürkün, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2020
Researchers conducted online surveys in which Americans rated the humor value of 120,000 words and nonwords, then used computers to analyze the data.
—Matthew Hutson, Science | AAAS, 17 June 2019
But critics say the name will teach children a nonword.
—Melissa Gray, CNN, 15 Sep. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Onur Güntürkün, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2020
Researchers conducted online surveys in which Americans rated the humor value of 120,000 words and nonwords, then used computers to analyze the data.
—Matthew Hutson, Science | AAAS, 17 June 2019
But critics say the name will teach children a nonword.
—Melissa Gray, CNN, 15 Sep. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near nonword
Cite this Entry
“Nonword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonword. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share