Words Invented by Authors
1 / 15Many common English words were coined by famous writers. Can you match these everyday words to the authors who created them?
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
Which author is credited with inventing the word 'eyeball'?
About Words Invented by Authors
Give your memory a workout with Words Invented by Authors: 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty, free to play right in your browser. Many common English words were coined by famous writers. Can you match these everyday words to the authors who created them? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. Which author is credited with inventing the word 'eyeball'?
Answer: William Shakespeare
2. The word 'nerd' first appeared in which Dr. Seuss book?
Answer: If I Ran the Zoo
3. Which word did Shakespeare NOT coin?
Answer: Telephone
4. Lewis Carroll invented the word 'chortle'. It is a blend of which two words?
Answer: Chuckle and snort
5. The word 'robot' was introduced by which writer?
Answer: Karel Capek
Frequently asked questions
How long does Words Invented by Authors take?
Most players finish Words Invented by Authors in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Words Invented by Authors?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Words Invented by Authors?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Words Invented by Authors fits comfortably in one sitting.
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