: Reflects modern shifts with entries like rizz , gaslighting , cold brew , farm-to-table , heat dome , telework , and doggo .
The Merriam-Webster company was founded in 1831 by Charles Merriam and his brothers, who published their first dictionary, A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language , in 1806. Over the years, the company continued to grow and evolve, publishing new editions of their dictionaries that reflected the changing needs of the English-speaking world. Today, Merriam-Webster is a leading authority on the English language, and their dictionaries are widely regarded as among the best in the world. merriam webster collegiate dictionary 12th edition
: A physique regarded as typical of an average father. : Reflects modern shifts with entries like rizz
The , released on November 18, 2025 , marks the first major hard-copy overhaul of this iconic reference in over two decades. Replacing the 11th Edition (which debuted in 2003), this update introduces over 5,000 new words and more than 20,000 additional usage examples to reflect the dramatic shifts in the English language over the last 22 years . Key Features & Modern Updates Today, Merriam-Webster is a leading authority on the
| Feature | 11th Edition (2003) | 12th Edition (2020) | |--------|---------------------|---------------------| | New words added | ~10,000 since 10th ed. | Another ~10,000+ new terms | | Digital culture coverage | Limited (no “app,” “blog” in early 2000s sense) | Extensive (e.g., emoji, ASMR, vlog, influencer ) | | COVID-19 terms | None | Includes long COVID, coronavirus | | Usage notes | Fewer | More detailed and relevant | | Mobile app | No | Yes (included) |