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The short version

  • Merriam-Webster has introduced 1,400 new entries to its online dictionary, marking a significant expansion of recorded English vocabulary.
  • The additions highlight the influence of internet culture, including terms related to social media behavior, digital aesthetics, and seasonal dating trends.
  • Lexicographers selected these words based on criteria of frequent, widespread, and meaningful usage rather than adhering to a specific thematic focus.

Merriam-Webster has released a substantial update to its dictionary, adding approximately 1,400 new entries that capture the shifting landscape of contemporary American English. Announced in mid-September, this expansion reflects the publisher's ongoing effort to document how language evolves through daily communication. While the company dates back to 1843, it maintains that a dictionary functions as a practical guide for current usage rather than a static archive of historical terms. This latest batch of additions is immediately available on its website, with select entries slated for inclusion in future print editions.

The selection process relies on three primary metrics: frequency, breadth, and significance of use. Lexicographers monitor how words are employed across various contexts to determine if they have achieved stable definitions among a broad user base. There was no overarching theme guiding this specific update, according to company leadership. Instead, the entries emerged from data showing which terms had demonstrated consistent and widespread adoption over time. This approach allows the dictionary to remain responsive to organic linguistic shifts without imposing artificial categorization on the additions.

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A notable portion of the new vocabulary stems directly from online culture and social media platforms. Gregory Barlow, president of Merriam-Webster, noted that digital spaces provide fertile ground for neologisms to emerge and spread rapidly. Terms such as 'looksmaxxing' have entered the lexicon to describe specific behaviors prevalent in these environments. The dictionary defines this term as the practice of undertaking measures, sometimes extreme or risky, to enhance physical appearance. Similarly, 'parasocial' has been added to describe one-sided relationships with public figures or fictional characters, a dynamic often facilitated by digital interaction.

Other entries capture distinct emotional states and social phenomena that have gained traction in recent years. The phrase 'Sunday scaries' now officially describes the anxiety many individuals feel before the start of a new work week. For those dealing with persistent problems that seem to reappear after being addressed, the term 'whack-a-mole' offers a colorful descriptor. Additionally, 'crashout' has been included to denote a mental or emotional breakdown. These additions illustrate how informal speech patterns are increasingly formalized in reference materials as they become common parlance.

Seasonal and lifestyle trends also feature prominently in the update. 'Cuffing season' refers to the period when single individuals seek short-term romantic partners to accompany them through colder months. This term highlights how cultural rhythms influence language creation. Food-related vocabulary has expanded as well, with entries for 'cake pop,' a dessert made from compressed crumbs and icing, and 'chili crisp,' a savory condiment featuring fried aromatics and oil. The term 'superfood' is also included, serving as a general label for nutrient-dense ingredients like salmon and blueberries.

The inclusion of these words underscores the dictionary's role in validating contemporary communication. Barlow emphasized that defining widely used terms serves the audience by clarifying meanings that might otherwise remain ambiguous. While some entries may prove ephemeral, the online format allows for limitless expansion without the constraints of physical page counts. This flexibility enables the publisher to include words that merit definition even if their longevity is uncertain.

This update follows the company's tradition of releasing a word of the year in late autumn. In 2025, 'slop' received this distinction, referring to low-quality digital content produced in large quantities by artificial intelligence. The current batch does not carry such a singular focus but rather offers a broad window into modern expression. By documenting these shifts, Merriam-Webster continues to provide a record of how people articulate their experiences in an increasingly connected world.

The process of adding words remains relatively informal compared to other academic standards, relying on evidence of consensus among users. A term is included when many people use it with a shared understanding of its meaning. This method ensures that the dictionary reflects actual usage patterns rather than prescriptive ideals. As digital communication continues to shape language, future updates will likely follow similar trends, capturing new terms as they solidify in public discourse.

The release serves as both a reflection of current cultural priorities and a tool for navigating them. By codifying slang and internet-born phrases, the dictionary bridges the gap between informal speech and formal reference. This integration helps readers understand the nuances of modern interaction while preserving the historical continuity of the English language. The additions demonstrate that language remains a living entity, constantly reshaped by the communities that use it.

Looking ahead, Merriam-Webster will continue to monitor linguistic trends for future expansions. The company typically adds around 1,000 entries annually, maintaining a steady pace of updates. As social media and digital platforms evolve, so too will the vocabulary they generate. This ongoing process ensures that the dictionary remains a relevant resource for understanding how people communicate in real time.

Sources behind this briefing

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  • Smithsonian Magazine↗From ‘Sunday Scaries’ and ‘Whack-a-Mole’ to ‘Looksmaxxing’ and ‘Cuffing Season,’ These Are the Newest Words in the Dictionary