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National Word Nerd Day

Celebrate National Word Nerd Day with friends - explore new vocab, play word games, and show off your smarts!

Saturday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 9

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Word Nerd Day on January 9 by embracing your inner bookworm! This special day has been around since 2007 and is dedicated to those of us who love words, language, reading, writing and literature. Whether you spend your free time devouring the latest bestseller or crafting creative stories of your own, this holiday offers a perfect excuse to indulge in all things nerdy. So grab a book or open up that laptop and get ready for an amazing journey into the wonderful world of words!

TIMELINE

National Word Nerd Day Timeline

"Dictionary of the English Language"

Samuel Johnson’s "A Dictionary of the English Language" was first published, instigating the love of words for many people.

"A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language"

Noah Webster releases "A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language", the first truly American dictionary.

Oxford English Dictionary

The first part of the Oxford English Dictionary is published, creating a resource aimed at covering all vocabulary from the Anglo-Saxon period (1150 AD) to the present.

Creation of Scrabble

The board game Scrabble, which celebrates the use of diverse vocabulary, is first released commercially, becoming a favorite amongst "word nerds".

Publication of "Word Nerd"

The book "Word Nerd: Dispatches from the Games, Grammar, and Geek Underground" is published, paying homage to the pleasures and complexities of the English language.

Establishment of National Word Nerd Day

National Word Nerd Day is established and celebrated for the first time on January 9, providing official recognition for lovers of words and language.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Word Nerd Day

Create a crossword puzzle

Gather up some of your favorite words and create a crossword puzzle for you and your friends to complete.

PLAY

Play a word game

Grab some friends and play one of your favorite word games such as Scrabble, Bananagrams, or Boggle.

VISIT

Visit a library

Head over to the library and browse through the bookshelves. You'll never know what kind of new words you can discover.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt with clues that are all related to words. This is an exciting way to celebrate National Word Nerd Day!

LEARN

Learn a new language

Challenge yourself by learning a new language and expanding your vocabulary. Get out there and start exploring!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Word Nerd Day

Word Nerds challenge us intellectually

The greatest thing about Word Nerds is that they constantly challenge us to think outside the box when it comes to language–which is essential for problem solving, critical thinking, and other forms of academic success. They are a source of inspiration for keeping an open mind as we explore new ideas.

Word Nerds promote literacy

Being a Word Nerd means being conscious of the power of language in our lives and taking the time to expand our knowledge and understanding. By promoting literacy, they're helping to improve the overall quality of life and create a more informed society.

Word Nerds can help us find humor and fun

Word Nerds love to play with words to come up with inventive ways to make communication more interesting, amusing, and engaging. Whether it's puns, spoonerisms, or just creative wordplay, Word Nerds make sure there's always something new and exciting to explore in conversations.