Dictionaries are more than a book of definitions

There’s no such thing as “The” Dictionary. Ten major publishers alone produce “word” books in three categories: full-size, collegiate and learner’s, and each has a different intention.

Of the two most well-known dictionaries, the basic difference between them is that Merriam-Webster attempts to reflect the language as it is used, and the Oxford English Dictionary is a historical documentation of the English language as it progresses over time.

We’re going to focus in on Merriam-Webster’s dictionary approach to words and their definitions. First of all, it has been completely rewritten and edited every 10-12 years since Webster’s Collegiate® Dictionary was originally published in the early 1800s. Words and phrases are periodically added when there is a consistent usage pattern including made-up words called coinages or neologisms, which are also new words.

Merriam-Webster has announced the addition of 370 words, signaling the latest language trends in categories such as virtual worlds and technology. Since slang and informal language is accepted in today’s lexicon, have you heard of the exclamatory interjection, “yeet,” or describe poor quality as “janky?” DIY folks may be familiar with MacGyver, a word defined as making, forming or repairing something with what is conveniently on hand. For a handy sampling of the newest words and phrases, take a look at the link.

SEPTEMBER’S MERRIAM-WEBSTER WORD ADDITIONS