Neologism

A neologism is a newly created word or a familiar word used in a fresh, unusual way. Poets use neologisms to name something that has no exact word yet, to capture a mood or idea more precisely, or to make language feel playful, strange, or original.

Some neologisms eventually become ordinary words, while others remain distinctive to a single poem or writer.

Example

I slipped through the moonweed gate at dusk,
where silverthirst and star-quiet grew.
The air was ember-cold, and my shadow
walked a little ahead of me.

Related Definitions

[n] the act of inventing a word or phrase
[n] a newly invented word or phrase

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