Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Merriam-Webster Adds Over 5,000 New Words to Dictionary
Merriam-Webster, the company that makes dictionaries, is updating its famous book.
They are adding over 5,000 new words, like "rizz" and "WFH," to keep up with how people talk today.
This new edition comes out after more than 20 years and is packed with new words.
Even though fewer people buy printed dictionaries, the company still wants to make a great book, while its online dictionary is very popular and makes a lot of money.
This update also preserves the little thumb notches to help people easily browse the book, which required the company to find a printer in India since the original U.S. printer closed.
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary adds over 5,000 new words.
The new edition is the first hard-copy update in 22 years.
Words like "petrichor," "rizz," and "WFH" are included.
Print dictionary sales are declining, but the online dictionary is thriving.
The new edition includes enhanced entries and word histories.
- Who
- Merriam-Webster
- What
- Added over 5,000 new words to its dictionary.
- When
- The 12th edition will be released November 18.
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To make the dictionary more useful and interesting.
- Key Addition
- Over 5,000 new words
- New Edition
- 12th edition of "Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary"
- Release Date
- November 18
- Update Frequency
- 22 years since last hard-copy update
- Print Sales
- Declining, but the company is still profitable
- Digital Growth
- Revenue increased nearly 500% in 10 years