Merriam-Webster has added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online dictionary, with the updated entries providing a “window into the world today” by reflecting widespread contemporary usage. The additions range from terms rooted in social media culture and artificial intelligence to new food-related vocabulary and expressions of modern life.
According to the publisher, these new entries are not simply trendy “flash in the pan” words but terms and meanings that have demonstrated sustained, widespread use over time across various industries or regions. This ensures that the average adult is likely to encounter the words and need to know their meanings, as reported by People.com.
New Merriam-Webster Words Reflect Digital and Social Trends
Social media culture has significantly influenced the latest additions. Terms such as “looksmaxxing,” which refers to efforts to improve one’s physical appearance, and “parasocial,” describing a one-sided connection felt towards a public figure, have made the cut. Other internet-driven entries include “Rickroll,” the well-known prank that redirects users to Rick Astley’s music video, and “meme coin.” The publisher also recognised “glow-up,” meaning a dramatic enhancement in appearance, and “promposal.”
Artificial intelligence also left a notable imprint, with “vibe coding,” “AGI” (artificial general intelligence), and a new noun form of “compute” joining the dictionary. “Uncanny valley,” the unsettling sensation caused by artificial creations that appear almost human, was also added, as noted by Fox Business.
Beyond Screens: Food, Relationships and Everyday Expressions
The update extends beyond digital culture to encompass various aspects of daily life. Food-related newcomers include “superfood,” “cake pop,” “shishito,” “bao,” and “chili crisp.”
Relationship terms also feature, with “cuffing season” earning a spot, defined as a period when single people seek short-term romantic partners for the colder months. Other entries capturing the mood of modern life include “Sunday scaries,” “crashout,” “copium,” “California sober,” and “yacht rock.” The playful name for a raccoon, “trash panda,” also found its way into the dictionary, alongside “shapewear,” “neckbeard,” and “letterboxing,” which received a new digital meaning. Additionally, “Mandela Effect,” referring to a shared false memory, was included.
Merriam-Webster’s Selection Process and Previous Word of the Year
Merriam-Webster’s editors rigorously collect citations and research the widespread usage of words before granting them a place in the dictionary. A word must be used by many people who agree on its meaning to be considered for inclusion.
This comprehensive update precedes the announcement of Merriam-Webster’s 2026 Word of the Year. In 2025, the publisher selected “slop,” defining it as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” Merriam-Webster described the “flood of slop” in 2025 as including “absurd videos, off-kilter advertising images, cheesy propaganda, fake news that looks pretty real, junky AI-written books, ‘workslop’ reports that waste coworkers’ time … and lots of talking cats.” The publisher noted that people found it annoying, yet “ate it up.”