made-up word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made-up word" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a word that has been invented or created rather than one that is part of standard vocabulary. An example is: "The author used a made-up word to convey a unique concept in the story." Alternative expressions include "invented term," "coined word," and "fabricated word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Gough loved the made-up word.

The Guardian - Music

It was just a made-up word.

The New York Times - Magazine

A made-up word here or there is not much.

The New York Times - Books

Enter "nutraceuticals," a made-up word for made-up food.

The New York Times - Magazine

The made-up word alerts were fun too.

The Guardian

I want to address my tweeps (a made-up word, admittedly, but that's what people do).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In elementary school, I got in trouble for using a "made up" word "serendipity"; when I protested, I was whipped.

Huffington Post

It's a made up word for breasts.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the offensoratti are now jonesing for a hit so badly they are getting all high pitched and caps lock about a made up word.

The Guardian - Opinion

Njósnavélin is a serene and contemplative song whose lyric is a single made up word, as with all the tracks Sigur Rós recorded on their untitled 2002 album.

The Guardian - Music

As for the whole idea of 'disablism', people don't even know what that means – it's like a made up word for them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made-up word" to describe neologisms, invented terms, or words created for a specific purpose, such as in fiction, branding, or technical fields.

Common error

Avoid using "made-up word" to describe slang or colloquial terms that have evolved naturally within a community. "Made-up word" typically refers to a more deliberate and often individual act of creation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made-up word" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "made-up" modifies the noun "word". Ludwig AI confirms it's used to describe a word that has been invented or created, distinguishing it from standard vocabulary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made-up word" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a word that has been newly invented. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, academic settings, and even on wikis. While other alternatives like "coined term" or "neologism" exist, "made-up word" serves as a clear and accessible way to categorize words outside of standard vocabulary. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of contexts, though more formal options may be preferred in certain professional or academic settings. By avoiding its use to describe established slang, writers can use "made-up word" effectively to discuss instances of linguistic creativity and innovation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coined term

Emphasizes the act of inventing or creating a new term.

invented word

Highlights the act of creating a new word.

neologism

A newly coined word or expression.

fabricated word

Suggests a more deliberate or artificial creation of a word.

contrived term

Implies a forced or unnatural creation of a word.

novel word

Focuses on the newness and originality of the word.

newly coined word

Highlights the recent creation of the word.

artificial word

Emphasizes the non-natural origin of the word.

invented lexeme

More formal and linguistic term for an invented word.

non-standard word

Indicates the word is not part of common or accepted usage.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "made-up word"?

Alternatives include "coined term", "invented word", "neologism", and "fabricated word". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "made-up word" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable, but consider using more formal synonyms like "neologism" or "coined term" in academic or professional contexts if appropriate. The phrase "made-up word" itself is generally understood.

How can I use "made-up word" in a sentence?

Example: "The author used a "made-up word" to describe a feeling that had no existing label." or "The company created a "made-up word" for their new product to make it more memorable."

What's the difference between a "made-up word" and slang?

A "made-up word" is often deliberately created, while slang typically evolves organically within a specific group or culture. Slang might eventually become part of mainstream language, while a "coined term" may remain specific to its original context.