NEW YORK (AP) — Merriam-Webster has revealed it will launch a fully revised and updated edition of its highly popular Collegiate Dictionary, introducing more than 5,000 new words, among them 'petrichor', 'teraflop', 'dumbphone', and 'ghost kitchen'. This new edition, which comes 22 years after the previous one, is set for release on November 18, as pre-orders are now being accepted.
Petrichor refers to the distinct smell that accompanies rain after a dry spell, while teraflop is a measure of a computer's processing speed. The term dumbphone is used to describe basic mobile phones without advanced features, a contrast to modern smartphones. The concept of 'ghost kitchens', which became prominent during the pandemic, refers to commercial kitchen spaces available for rent.
Other notable additions include terms such as 'cold brew', 'farm-to-table', 'rizz', 'dad bod', and 'adulting'. This new edition will also feature more than 20,000 usage examples and enhanced entries for frequently searched terms.
To make room for the new words, Merriam-Webster has removed two sections from the previous edition focused on sparse biographical and geographical data, explained Greg Barlow, the company’s president. People have shifted to the internet for inquiries about locations and historical figures, he noted.
The updated dictionary weighs almost five pounds and arrives during a time when sales for print dictionaries have been declining consistently since 2022, with a reported 9% drop in sales over the past year. Despite this, Merriam-Webster's print sales remain steady, with about 1.5 million copies sold annually.
While digital resources have superseded the print dictionary's traditional utility, many still cherish the tactile experience of consulting a physical book. Merriam-Webster's website sees roughly a billion annual visits, underlining its position as a leading digital word resource. The new Collegiate edition aims to combine practicality with visual appeal, remaining relevant in a changing linguistic landscape. As President Greg Barlow stated, 'There are people who just love books, and we love books too.'
Dictionaries may be experiencing challenges, but they continue to hold cultural significance, serve as essential household references, and remain vital for educational contexts in schools. As the evolution of language progresses, Merriam-Webster's commitment to updating its offerings underscores the enduring importance of print dictionaries.
Petrichor refers to the distinct smell that accompanies rain after a dry spell, while teraflop is a measure of a computer's processing speed. The term dumbphone is used to describe basic mobile phones without advanced features, a contrast to modern smartphones. The concept of 'ghost kitchens', which became prominent during the pandemic, refers to commercial kitchen spaces available for rent.
Other notable additions include terms such as 'cold brew', 'farm-to-table', 'rizz', 'dad bod', and 'adulting'. This new edition will also feature more than 20,000 usage examples and enhanced entries for frequently searched terms.
To make room for the new words, Merriam-Webster has removed two sections from the previous edition focused on sparse biographical and geographical data, explained Greg Barlow, the company’s president. People have shifted to the internet for inquiries about locations and historical figures, he noted.
The updated dictionary weighs almost five pounds and arrives during a time when sales for print dictionaries have been declining consistently since 2022, with a reported 9% drop in sales over the past year. Despite this, Merriam-Webster's print sales remain steady, with about 1.5 million copies sold annually.
While digital resources have superseded the print dictionary's traditional utility, many still cherish the tactile experience of consulting a physical book. Merriam-Webster's website sees roughly a billion annual visits, underlining its position as a leading digital word resource. The new Collegiate edition aims to combine practicality with visual appeal, remaining relevant in a changing linguistic landscape. As President Greg Barlow stated, 'There are people who just love books, and we love books too.'
Dictionaries may be experiencing challenges, but they continue to hold cultural significance, serve as essential household references, and remain vital for educational contexts in schools. As the evolution of language progresses, Merriam-Webster's commitment to updating its offerings underscores the enduring importance of print dictionaries.
