Despite the shift toward digital, Merriam-Webster has leaned into the aesthetic appeal of a physical book for this release.
Language around gender, race, and identity has evolved rapidly. The 12th edition includes updated definitions for:
Existing words have been revised to include modern meanings: merriam webster collegiate dictionary 12th edition
The Evolution of Language: Inside the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary , 12th Edition
: Introduces curated word lists such as "Words from the 1990s" and "Words for Things That Often Go Unnamed". Official Status : It remains the official dictionary for the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook Physical Specifications Despite the shift toward digital, Merriam-Webster has leaned
Algorithms help editors see exactly how fast a word is gaining popularity and whether it is being used across different regions and demographics.
The most headline-grabbing change is the addition of over 5,000 new words, many of which have only recently become cemented in the American lexicon. These words offer a fascinating snapshot of how we live, work, and argue today: Official Status : It remains the official dictionary
No product is perfect. The 12th edition has received some pushback from the lexicographic community:
You can browse the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary to see if the 12th-edition updates are already reflected in their definitions.