Merriam-Webster, a well-known dictionary publisher, has announced the addition of 1,400 new words and definitions to its dictionary. This update, revealed on its website on Tuesday, reflects the evolving language and culture of modern times. The new entries include terms such as "shapewear," "looksmaxxing," "meme coin," "parasocial," "compute," "vibe coding," "superfood," "cuffing season," and "uncanny valley." These words have been selected based on their widespread and frequent use, offering insight into contemporary society and communication.
Among the new additions, "cuffing season" is defined as a period when individuals not in a relationship or marriage seek a temporary romantic partner to spend the colder months with. This term highlights the seasonal nature of certain relationship dynamics. Another notable entry is "uncanny valley," a term that refers to the discomfort people feel when faced with human-like entities that are almost, but not quite, realistic. This follows Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year, "slop," which describes low-quality digital content often generated by artificial intelligence in large quantities.
Merriam-Webster has not yet announced its Word of the Year for 2026, though it typically reveals this selection in the final quarter of the year. The company emphasizes that new words are added based on their frequency, widespread use, and significance in language. The process involves editorial judgment rather than formal committees or advocacy efforts. According to the company, decisions are made through a review process by senior editors, ensuring that only words with sufficient evidence of use are included.
These updates reflect the dynamic nature of language and how it evolves with cultural trends, technology, and social behaviors. Merriam-Webster’s annual updates serve not only as a record of linguistic change but also as a reflection of the society that uses these words. The inclusion of terms like "meme coin" and "looksmaxxing" illustrates how internet culture and digital trends influence everyday language. As the dictionary continues to grow, it remains a valuable resource for understanding both historical and modern communication.
Merriam-Webster Updates Dictionary with New Words and Definitions
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