Word of the Day

: December 15, 2007

ubiquitous

adjective yoo-BIK-wuh-tuss

What It Means

: existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered : widespread

ubiquitous in Context

"The classic clutch has replaced last fall's ubiquitous shoulder bag as this season's handbag of choice," the fashion magazine reported.

Did You Know?

"Ubiquitous" comes to us from the noun "ubiquity," meaning "presence everywhere or in many places simultaneously." "Ubiquity" first appeared in print in the late 16th century, but "ubiquitous" didn't make an appearance until 1830. (Another noun form, "ubiquitousness," arrived around 1874.) Both words are ultimately derived from the Latin word for "everywhere," which is "ubique." "Ubiquitous," which has often been used with a touch of exaggeration for things and people that seem to turn up everywhere, has become a more widespread and popular word than "ubiquity." It may not quite be ubiquitous, but if you keep your eyes and ears open, you're apt to encounter the word "ubiquitous" quite a bit.