Merriam-Webster Adds 1,400 New Words and Definitions
News related to:Merriam-Webster Inc · 1 min read
Springfield, MA, Sept. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Merriam-Webster, the venerable dictionary publisher, has expanded its lexicon with the addition of 1,400 new words and definitions. This update, reflecting the dynamic nature of the English language, includes terms that capture contemporary social and technological trends.
Among the new entries, social media culture has given rise to terms such as "looksmaxxing," "unrequited parasocial," and "Rickroll." These additions highlight the evolving nature of online interactions and the humor associated with them. For investors, the term "meme coin" has been included, reflecting the impact of social media on financial markets.
The dictionary also embraces technological advancements with the inclusion of "compute" as a noun, signifying the increasing demand for computing resources in the tech industry. Other technological terms added include "vibe coding" and "AGI (artificial general intelligence)," which underscore the ongoing development of artificial intelligence.
The addition of "shishito," a mild chili pepper, and "bao bun" with chili crisp, brings a taste of East Asia to the English lexicon.
Social and cultural shifts are also reflected in the new entries.
Merriam-Webster's President, Gregory Barlow, emphasized the importance of documenting language changes.
The update also includes terms that address the uncanny feeling of artificial intelligence, known as "uncanny valley," and "copium," a term that reflects the company's ongoing efforts to stay current with language trends. The inclusion of "neckbeard," a term for someone with a long, unkempt beard, has been refined to reflect the broader cultural context.
Barlow noted that the new additions are the result of data-driven analysis of widespread usage.
This expansion of Merriam-Webster's dictionary continues the company's long-standing tradition of documenting the evolution of the English language. With the addition of these 1,400 new words and definitions, the dictionary remains a valuable resource for language learners and enthusiasts alike.