Quick answer
Sesquipedalian means using very long words; also, a long word itself. It is usually pronounced ses-kwi-pih-DAY-lee-un, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Sesquipedalian
Sesquipedalian describes someone or something that is using very long words; also, a long word itself. It belongs to long and unwieldy words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
long-wordhard-to-pronounceshowy
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If something is sesquipedalian, it is using very long words; also, a long word itself. The word usually adds a stronger tone than a simpler adjective, which is why it suits vivid writing so well.
Why this word feels absurd
Sesquipedalian feels absurd because it sounds slightly overengineered, as if English kept bolting on syllables until the word itself became part of the performance.
Origin and history
Sesquipedalian is generally traced to latin. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Sesquipedalian is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- The review called the minister’s reply positively sesquipedalian.
- One sesquipedalian remark was enough to sour the entire meeting.
- The novel introduces a sesquipedalian uncle who complains before breakfast.
- His sesquipedalian tone made the ordinary objection sound much worse than it was.
- She likes the word because even the insult feels slightly theatrical when it is sesquipedalian.
When should you use this word?
Use sesquipedalian when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
Polysyllabic, Verbose, Grandiloquent, Ornate
Opposite or contrasting words
Plain, Simple, Concise, Short-worded
Common questions
- What does sesquipedalian mean? Using very long words; also, a long word itself.
- How do you pronounce sesquipedalian? It is commonly pronounced ses-kwi-pih-DAY-lee-un.
- Is sesquipedalian still used today? Sesquipedalian is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use sesquipedalian? Use sesquipedalian when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to sesquipedalian? Similar words include Polysyllabic, Verbose, Grandiloquent, and Ornate.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.