surprisal

noun

sur·​pris·​al sər-ˈprī-zəl How to pronounce surprisal (audio)
sə-
: the action of surprising : the state of being surprised

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surprisal was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near surprisal

Cite this Entry

“Surprisal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surprisal. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!