A trouvaille is a lucky find that's especially satisfying. Imagine checking out a flea market table piled high with mundane odds and ends, and suddenly you notice an original pressing of your favorite record just sitting there in plain sight. A trouvaille like that is something you didn't come looking for but are very glad you found.
Example: The four-leaf clover tucked inside the dusty old book was a delightful trouvaille.
Every year, Dictionary.com's Word of the Year and short-listed nominees capture the trends in language and culture. Check out our pick for 2026 Word of the Year here.
Our Word of the Year is Here | Each week, we scan the latest headlines to spot words in action. From major news stories to pop culture buzz, this feature highlights language as it’s unfolding.
From perfecting daily routines to finding ways to become our best selves, the internet has turned self-improvement into a language of its own. Our 2026 Word of the Year captures a trend that’s all about taking things to the next level.
While the shortlist features some heavyweight contenders, such as affordability and data center, none captures the drive to optimize quite like this year’s Word of the Year.
