sesquipedalian Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a very long word (a foot and a half long)
    sesquipedalia.
  2. adjective satellite given to the overuse of long words
    • sesquipedalian orators
    • this sesquipedalian way of saying one has no money
  3. adjective satellite (of words) long and ponderous; having many syllables
    polysyllabic.
    • sesquipedalian technical terms

WordNet

Ses*quip"e*dal, Ses`qui*pe*da"li*an adjective (Also<
  • Sesquipedal
  • Sesquipedalian
)
Etymology
Sesqui- + pedal: cf. F. sesquipédal, L. sesquipedalis.
Definitions
  1. Measuring or containing a foot and a half; as, a sesquipedalian pygmy; -- sometimes humorously applied to long words. 2. having a tendency to use long words.

Webster 1913