Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky

ˈjabərˌwäkē

Noun

  • Invented or meaningless language; nonsense.

Get a new word in your inbox every day.

By subscribing you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Example Sentences

“The silly poem she wrote to amuse her nieces was a piece of pure jabberwocky.”

“Fantasy books are full of jabberwocky and mythical creatures.”

“Toddlers tend to babble in jabberwocky, but you can usually figure out what they’re trying to say.”

Word Origin

British English, early 20th century

Why this word?

“Jabberwocky” is the title of a poem full of nonsense words in “Through the Looking-Glass,” Lewis Carroll’s 1871 sequel to “Alice in Wonderland.” The poem is full of fantastical language, including “bandersnatch,” “frumious,” “mimsy,” and “snicker-snack.” Some words (such as “chortle,” meaning “chuckle,” and “galumphing,” meaning “moving in a clumsy, ponderous, or noisy manner”) became so popular that they gained the status of “real” words in the dictionary. “Jabberwocky” itself became one of those real words — it’s a noun, designating any type of made-up language or nonsense words, but it also can be used as an adjective to describe something meaningless or senseless.

  • More brands you’ll love

    Elevate Your Everyday

    More brands you’ll love

    Elevate Your Everyday

    Subscribe to Better Report to receive tips and tricks that will save you money, maximize your time, and improve your life.

    Subscribe to Better Report
    By clicking “Subscribe” you’re agreeing to Better Report Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Learn a new word Logomachy

lōˈɡäməkē