Added 2 October 2026
modern
/ˈmɒd.ən/ adjective
Latin root: modernus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about modern at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
Pertaining to a current or recent time and style; not ancient.
Our online interactive game is a modern approach to teaching about gum disease. Although it was built in the 1600s, the building still has a very modern look.
- Pertaining to the modern period (c.1800 to contemporary times), particularly in academic historiography.
noun
Origin
From Middle French moderne, from Late Latin modernus; from Latin modo (“just now”), originally ablative of modus (“measure”); hence, by measure, "just now". See also mode.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)