The Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is schmooze. Read on for what it means, how it’s used, and more.

What It Means

Schmooze means “to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections.”

// The event gives an opportunity for local business owners to network and schmooze.

SCHMOOZE in Context

“Officials encourage participation with their open public speaking portion before the formal city council meeting. I often show up early to schmooze with officials, constituents, reporters, and gadflies.” — Jonathan L. Wharton, CT News Junkie (Hartford, Connecticut), 9 Mar. 2022

Did You Know?

Schmooze (also spelled shmooze) comes from Yiddish schmues, meaning “talk,” which itself is from Hebrew shěmu’ōth, “news” or “rumor.” Although originally used to indicate simply talking in an informal and warm manner, the word now commonly suggests discussion for the purposes of gaining something.