Compound word puzzles are interesting in themselves but also show how things in the world are essentially combinations of other things. ... 5. leaf color + abode. 6. gaze + away. 7. cervix + fine, ...

In addition to new words, compound words and new meanings for some old words also contributed to the new total. The last time Merriam-Webster added new words was in September 2018.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with KUER listener Elisabeth Larsen and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.

I'm going to give you three words starting with the letters H, O, and T. For each set you give me a word that can precede each of mine to complete a compound word or a familiar two-word phrase.

Compound words are made up of two parts of speech. For example, the compound noun handkerchief is made up of two nouns: hand + kerchief. Semantically, compound words are very interesting, since ...