spiel

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 3, 2026 is spiel. A spiel is defined as a fast, rehearsed speech designed to persuade. It is commonly used to encourage people to purchase a product or agree to a proposal. For instance, a club founder might deliver a spiel about its advantages. The word can also be used as a verb. As a verb, spiel signifies talking extravagantly. Interestingly, its original meaning as a verb was to play music. This original sense is shared with its German root word, spielen. The word spiel also appears in the name of the musical instrument, glockenspiel.