Lexical and linguistic tips, tools, and tricks from resident grammar geek and lifelong word nerd, Ms. Gaylord

The most recent unabridged Webster’s Dictionary weighs more than ten pounds–and that’s with microscopic font and tissue-paper pages! Good luck keeping that behemoth in your back pocket. But who needs it? Harness the power of your smartphone to help you build your vocabulary, so you can show the SAT who’s boss (and also amaze your friends and family with your verbal precocity).

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary app (free edition) includes a Word of the Day, complete with etymology and authentic examples of the words in use; vocabulary-building games and quizzes; and, of course, a full-blown dictionary with integrated thesaurus. Each week, the Word of the Day teaches this lifelong language lover at least one new word–and that’s saying something!

If you’re a visual learner and/or a true word nerd, follow Merriam-Webster on Instagram for a daily dose of visual word power delivered into your feed with the Word of the Day image and explanation. Yes, even Instagram can help make you smarter, if you use its powers for good.

Do you have a favorite app or tool for building your brain? Share it with Ms. Gaylord at cgaylord@indiana.edu. Your tip might be featured in an upcoming newsletter (as long as you promise not to let the resulting fame and fortune go to your head)