Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 21, 2026 is:
 
 
 
 
 schmooze &#149; \SHMOOZ\&nbsp; &#149; verb
 To schmooze is to warmly chat with someone often in order to gain favor, business, or connections.

// The event provides an opportunity for local business owners to network and schmooze.

<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schmooze">See the entry ></a>
 
 
 
 Examples:
 "After wrapping up her speech filled with anecdotes and policy promises, the candidate schmoozed with the crowd, seemingly determined to shake every hand before her staff ushered her back to the bus." — Mike Kropf, The News Virginian (Waynesboro, Virginia), 4 Sept. 2025
 
 
 
 Did you know?
 Schmooze (also spelled shmooze) <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schlep">schlepped</a> into English from the Yiddish schmues, meaning "talk," which itself is from the Hebrew shěmu’ōth, meaning "news" or "rumor." Although originally used to indicate simply talking in an informal and warm manner, the word now commonly suggests conversation for the purpose of gaining favor, business, or connections. Schmooze is one of a number of English schm- words originating from Yiddish; other classics include <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schmaltz">schmaltz</a> (referring to rendered animal fat or excessively sentimental music or art), <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schmuck">schmuck</a> (a slang word for "jerk"), <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schmutz">schmutz</a> ("a filthy or soiling substance"), and <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schmear">schmear</a> ("a layer of cream cheese").

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