What's happened
Merriam-Webster's 12th Collegiate Dictionary, due November 18, introduces modern terms like 'ghost kitchen' and 'cancel culture,' reflecting changes in language and society. The update comes amid declining print dictionary sales, with a focus on online content and revised entries to stay relevant.
What's behind the headline?
The update reflects a strategic shift in lexicography driven by digital transformation. Merriam-Webster's focus on modern vocabulary like 'ghost kitchen' and 'cancel culture' demonstrates an effort to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving linguistic landscape. The removal of sparse biographical and geographical entries indicates a recognition that users now prefer quick, targeted information online. This move also highlights the declining importance of print dictionaries, which are increasingly seen as collectibles rather than essential reference tools. The emphasis on online accessibility and usage examples suggests that Merriam-Webster aims to maintain its dominance in digital lexicography, even as print sales decline. The weight of the new edition, nearly five pounds, underscores its role as a comprehensive resource, but it also signals the end of an era for traditional print dictionaries. Overall, this update is a calculated response to the digital age, aiming to balance tradition with modern relevance, ensuring the dictionary remains a valuable resource for both casual users and researchers alike.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Merriam-Webster's new Collegiate Dictionary introduces contemporary terms like 'ghost kitchen' and 'cancel culture,' reflecting societal changes. It notes the decline in print dictionary sales, citing Circana BookScan data showing a 9% drop over a year. The article emphasizes the shift towards online content, with Merriam-Webster's website receiving about a billion visits annually, and highlights the company's efforts to modernize its offerings. AP News echoes these points, stressing the 22-year gap since the last major update and the focus on making the dictionary more practical and engaging. Both sources agree that the move is a response to changing consumer habits and the digital transformation of language resources, with Merriam-Webster removing outdated entries to prioritize relevance and usability.
How we got here
The last hard-copy update of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary was 22 years ago. The rise of the internet has shifted how people access language resources, leading to declining sales of print dictionaries. Merriam-Webster has responded by emphasizing online content, revising entries, and removing outdated sections to make the dictionary more practical and engaging for modern users.
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Common question
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