Merriam-Webster has updated its dictionary by adding 1400 new words and definitions. The dictionary publisher announced these changes on its website on Tuesday. The new words and definitions include "shapewear," "looksmaxxing," and "meme coin."
New Words and Their Meanings
Merriam-Webster stated in its announcement: "The new entries of words and meanings that have seen widespread use over time provide a snapshot of today's world." Other words and definitions added to the dictionary include "parasocial," "compute," "vibe coding," and "superfood" (a nutrient-rich food that includes salmon, broccoli, and blueberries).
Cuffing Season and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence
As temperatures drop across the country, Merriam-Webster has appropriately added "cuffing season" to its dictionary. The company defines this term as "a time of year when single people or those in short-term relationships seek a romantic partner to spend the cold months with." Additionally, amid widespread concerns in recent days about the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity, the company has also added "uncanny valley" to its collection of definitions. This term refers to "the unsettling feeling that arises from the emergence of something artificial that is almost, but not quite, human-like."
Merriam-Webster has also announced the word of the year for 2025 as "slop," which refers to "low-quality digital content that is typically produced en masse by artificial intelligence." The company has not yet announced a word for 2026 and usually makes this announcement in the final quarter of the year.
The Process of Adding New Words
The company has stated on its website that it adds new words and phrases to its collection based on frequent, widespread, and meaningful usage. "The definers must judge whether there is sufficient evidence to add a new word; this judgment is reviewed by senior colleagues as the dictionary goes through the editing process, but there is no committee, no support, and no meeting to include new words."
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