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Merriam-Webster Expands Lexicon with 1,400 New Definitions
Confirmed
In Short: Merriam-Webster has updated its dictionary with 1,400 new words and definitions, reflecting the evolving language of the internet and modern technology.
Merriam-Webster has given its dictionary a 'glow-up' by adding 1,400 new words and definitions, according to reports. The update, announced on Tuesday, includes terms that reflect the rapid changes in the English language, particularly those related to the internet and technology.
The dictionary now includes a noun sense of 'compute,' defined as the processing resources needed to run a computer system. Other additions include 'vibe coding,' which Merriam-Webster defines as 'the act or practice of using an artificial intelligence system to generate computer code,' and 'AGI,' short for artificial general intelligence.
Among the new entries is 'cuffing season,' a term that reflects current societal trends. Merriam-Webster defines it as 'a time of the year when people who are not married or in a relationship begin looking for a short-term romantic partner to spend the colder months of the year with.' This addition highlights the dictionary's commitment to capturing contemporary language usage.
Merriam-Webster also included 'shapewear' and 'looksmaxxing,' terms that reflect the fashion and beauty industries. 'Meme coin' is another addition, reflecting the growing influence of cryptocurrencies and digital culture.
According to Merriam-Webster, the inclusion of new words is based on widespread use over time, offering a window into the world today. The company's president, Gregory Barlow, noted, 'The English language is changing rapidly,' emphasizing the dynamic nature of language.
What's confirmed
- Merriam-Webster has given its dictionary a 'glow-up' by adding 1,400 new words and definitions, according to reports. The update, announced on Tuesday, includes terms that reflect the rapid changes in the English language, particularly those related to the internet and technology.
- The dictionary now includes a noun sense of 'compute,' defined as the processing resources needed to run a computer system. Other additions include 'vibe coding,' which Merriam-Webster defines as 'the act or practice of using an artificial intelligence system to generate computer code,' and 'AGI,' short for artificial general intelligence.
- Among the new entries is 'cuffing season,' a term that reflects current societal trends. Merriam-Webster defines it as 'a time of the year when people who are not married or in a relationship begin looking for a short-term romantic partner to spend the colder months of the year with.' This addition highlights the dictionary's commitment to capturing contemporary language usage.
- Merriam-Webster also included 'shapewear' and 'looksmaxxing,' terms that reflect the fashion and beauty industries. 'Meme coin' is another addition, reflecting the growing influence of cryptocurrencies and digital culture.
- According to Merriam-Webster, the inclusion of new words is based on widespread use over time, offering a window into the world today. The company's president, Gregory Barlow, noted, 'The English language is changing rapidly,' emphasizing the dynamic nature of language.
What's still developing
- The famed dictionary added 1,400 new words to its dictionary on Wednesday, many focused on internet-first phases and trends.
- A verb that we use every day, access, was first entered in the Collegiate Dictionary in 1973, and a specific reference to computers was added in 1993.
- Despite Merriam-Webster calling the update a " glow-up," inclusion doesn’t mean these terms were invented recently.
- “The definer must judge whether there is enough evidence to put a new word in; that judgment will be reviewed by more senior colleagues as the dictionary moves through the editorial process, but there’s no committee, no advocacy, no meetings for new word inclusion,” the company said.
- Other words and definitions that made it into the dictionary include “parasocial,” “compute,” “vibe coding” and “superfood” (food rich in nutrients, including salmon, broccoli and blueberries).
- As temperatures drop across the country, Merriam-Webster fittingly added “cuffing season” to its dictionary.