Merriam-Webster Unveils Major Update to Beloved Dictionary

Sat Oct 11 2025 17:03:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The 12th edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, featuring over 5,000 new words, aims to adapt to modern language use and regain interest in print dictionaries.

Merriam-Webster has announced a complete overhaul of its popular Collegiate Dictionary, releasing its 12th edition on November 18, which adds 5,000 new words and phrases like 'petrichor,' 'dumbphone,' and 'ghost kitchen.' Amid declining sales of printed dictionaries, the company seeks to make the new edition more relevant and user-friendly. Several outdated and obscure words have been eliminated to accommodate this shift, while also enhancing certain entries for better research utility. Although print dictionaries are facing challenges from digital sources, Merriam-Webster emphasizes the importance of preserving language in print.

MERRIAM-WEBSTER, NY — Language enthusiasts rejoice! Merriam-Webster has announced a significant revision of its cherished Collegiate Dictionary, unveiling a fresh edition that boasts a remarkable addition of over 5,000 new words. Set to be released on November 18, the 12th edition introduces delightful terms like 'petrichor' (the scent of rain after a dry spell), 'dumbphone' (a basic mobile device), and 'ghost kitchen' (a commercial kitchen for delivery services).

After 22 years since its last hard-copy update, this new edition is a timely response amid decreasing sales for traditional dictionaries in the U.S., as reported by Circana BookScan. While the printed dictionary market faces challenges, preorders for the upcoming release are now available.

The new words added to the dictionary include contemporary phrases such as 'farm-to-table,' 'adulting,' and 'cancel culture.' Furthermore, the updated edition will contain enhanced entries for popular words and a wealth of over 20,000 new usage examples, all previously accessible online.

To accommodate the influx of new vocabulary, Merriam-Webster trimmed down sections featuring outdated biographical and geographical entries—acknowledging that readers typically opt for online resources for such information. The company also removed obscure terms, including 'enwheel,' to streamline the content.

Despite the decline in print dictionary sales—down 9% compared to last year—Merriam-Webster remains optimistic. The firm sells approximately 1.5 million dictionaries annually; most are revised frequently, although efforts for a complete overhaul like the Collegiate are rare.

There's been a notable uptick in interest for reference materials at Barnes & Noble this year, indicating that nostalgia and the value of physical dictionaries live on. Experts believe the desire for print dictionaries stems from their cultural significance and the tactile experience of flipping through a book. Although digital resources often overshadow them, printed dictionaries continue to hold relevance for many.

The new Collegiate Dictionary also features curated word lists, including words from the 1990s, and dives into the history of each word, revealing fascinating origins. For example, 'calculate' is derived from a Latin word meaning 'pebble' due to Romans using small stones for math.

Ultimately, while digital dictionaries enjoy a significant presence—we are now in an era where accessibility is at our fingertips—Merriam-Webster's new edition aims to reinvigorate interest in print references while acknowledging their nostalgic and educational importance.