1. (ornithology, uncountable) The feathers covering the body of a bird collectively.
2. (by extension)
   1. (archaic, uncountable) Feathers used ornamentally; feathering; (countable) a bunch or tuft of such feathers; a plume.
   2. (falconry, uncountable, obsolete) Feathers which are fed to a hawk to cause it to regurgitate, for the purpose of cleaning its crop; a casting.
3. (figurative, uncountable)
   1. A person's dress, especially when elaborate or fine.
   2. A person's external appearance, especially when showy.

Today, the second Saturday of May in 2026, is the first of the two World Migratory Bird Days in the year. These days were established by the Secretariats of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals to highlight the importance of protecting migratory birds and their habitats. In addition, yesterday was the 100th birthday of the English broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough, who was born 8 May 1926.

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1. Often followed by from: to allow or cause (someone or something) to be free; to set free, to release.
   1. To free (someone or something) from discriminatory or oppressive attitudes, inhibition, or restraint.
   2. To release (someone) from slavery; to manumit.
   3. (sometimes ironic) To free (a place such as a country, or the residents thereof) from an occupying force, or from oppression such as unjust rule.
   4. (chemistry, physics) To cause (energy or a substance) to be released through a chemical reaction or physical decomposition.
2. (originally military slang, euphemistic, informal) To take (property belonging to someone else) by force or theft; to loot, to rob, to steal. [...]

Today is VE Day, which marks the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

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1. (chiefly property law) A small piece of land, such as a garth or yard with the buildings and structures on it, immediately surrounding a dwelling house and legally regarded as part of its property; originally, such areas were enclosed by a fence or wall.

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1. (psychoanalysis) Synonym of psychoanalyse (“to treat (someone) using psychoanalysis”); also, to carry out psychological testing on (someone).
2. (originally and chiefly US, by extension) Chiefly followed by out: to analyse (something), especially psychologically; also (generally), to work out (something).

(originally US, informal)

1. (transitive, also reflexive)
   1. Often followed by out: to deceive, intimidate, or otherwise manipulate (someone or oneself) emotionally or using psychology.
   2. Often followed by up: to put (someone or oneself) into a mental or psychological state where one is ready for some (often challenging) experience; specifically, to make (someone or oneself) enthusiastic or excited about something.
2. (intransitive)
   1. Of a person: to get into a mental or psychological state where one is ready for some (often challenging) experience; specifically, to make oneself enthusiastic or excited about something.
   2. (US) Followed by out: to become mentally confused or disturbed. [...]

The Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud, who founded psychoanalysis, was born on this day 170 years ago in 1856.

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1. (US) A Tuesday when tacos are, or other Mexican food is, or is customarily, eaten, chiefly in the evening and originally and especially in a restaurant.

Today is Cinco de Mayo (“Fifth of May”), which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on this day in 1862.

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1. (chiefly in Dutch contexts, rare) Having a cosy or pleasant, or sociable atmosphere; convivial and inviting.

Today is the eve of Liberation Day in the Netherlands. It marks the end of the German occupation of the country during World War II on 5 May 1945.

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1. (originally Canada, US, drama, film, television, theater) A type of drama (a film, play, television show, etc.) that combines elements of documentary and drama, to some extent showing real events and to some extent using actors performing recreations of documented events.

Today is World Press Freedom Day, which is recognized by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. The Windhoek Declaration, a statement of press freedom principles by African newspaper journalists, was adopted on this day 35 years ago in 1991.

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1. In a natural state; without any artificial change; naturally; also, in a way to appear natural.
   1. Of the action of a person: in a manner without makeup and with one's natural hair colour.
   2. [...]
2. Of the preparation or serving of food: in a raw or very simply cooked manner.
3. (sometimes humorous) Of the action of a person: in a naked manner; without clothes; in the nude, nakedly. [...]

Today, the first Saturday in May in 2026, is World Naked Gardening Day. It was established in 2005 by Mark Storey and Jacob Gabriel of the Body Freedom Collaborative to promote naturism.

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1. (chiefly machining, woodworking) A partially finished object (often composed of a raw material) which is subjected to various operations, worked on with tools, etc.

Today is celebrated as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day in many countries to recognize the achievements and contributions of workers. The American Federation of Labor chose this date to commemorate a demonstration in support of workers striking for an eight-hour work day, which began on this day 140 years ago in 1886.

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1. (countable) An act of asserting or maintaining; an assertion.
2. (countable) An argument, fact, piece of evidence, etc., which vindicates (“clears someone of an accusation or suspicion; justifies a belief or claim by providing evidence or proof”).
3. (uncountable) The action of vindicating; also, the state of being vindicated.
4. (countable, Ancient Rome, historical, law) A legal claim for a declaration that one is the owner of a thing or the holder of a right; an action in rem.
5. (uncountable, obsolete)
   1. The action of avenging or taking revenge.
   2. (rare) The action of setting free; deliverance.
   3. (rare) Punishment, retribution.

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1. (archaic, literary) Across or over in a slanting or diagonal direction.

aslant adv

1. (archaic, literary) At or on a slant; in a slanting or sloping direction.

aslant adj

1. (archaic, literary) Slanting, oblique.

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1. (transitive)
   1. To cause (something) physical damage due to ordinary use over time; to wear (down).
   2. (figurative) To cause emotional damage to (someone's feelings, spirit, etc.).
2. (intransitive) Of a thing: to be caused physical damage due to ordinary use over time.

wear and tear n

1. Physical damage caused to an object due to ordinary use over time; specifically (accounting, law), as justifying a write-down of the object's value in a set of accounts, or exclusion of compensation for the object under a warranty of quality.
   1. The process by which such physical damage is caused.
   2. The cost payable for such physical damage.
2. (figurative) Damage or deterioration caused to something intangible due to harsh conditions, the passing of time, etc.; also, the process by which such damage or deterioration is caused.
3. (obsolete) One's ability to endure harsh conditions; resilience, toughness.

Today is the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which is recognized by the United Nations to promote awareness about work-related accidents and diseases. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Act came into effect on this day in 1970, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration was formed on this day 55 years ago in 1971.

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