Merriam-Webster Adds Over 5,000 New Words in First Major Print Update in 20+ Years
Written by b87fm on 09/25/2025
Merriam-Webster is bringing the dictionary into a new era. The publishing giant has announced the release of its Twelfth Edition Collegiate Dictionary, the first hard-copy revision in more than two decades. The new edition, bound in a bold deep red cover and weighing nearly five pounds, drops November 18, 2025, and is already available for pre-order.
The latest update introduces over 5,000 new words that reflect modern culture, tech, and lifestyle. New entries include everyday slang like “rizz” and “dad bod,” as well as cultural staples like “farm-to-table” and “cold brew.” More scientific and niche terms such as “petrichor” (the smell after rain) and “teraflop” (a measure of computing speed) also make the cut.
Merriam-Webster also added phrases that have become part of everyday conversation — including “hard pass,” “adulting,” and “cancel culture.” The book now features expanded entries for frequently searched words, over 20,000 new usage examples, and curated word lists with deeper word histories.
To make room, editors trimmed some of the biographical and geographical entries that readers now easily find online. Still, Merriam-Webster remains dominant in the digital space, with its website pulling in roughly a billion visits per year.
Greg Barlow, the company’s president, acknowledged that while print sales have dipped nationwide, the dictionary in physical form still holds a special place.
“While the print dictionary is not at all important to the growth and profitability of this wonderful language company, it’s still our heart,” Barlow said.
The new edition aims to be both practical and fun to browse, ensuring it stays a go-to resource for students, writers, and word lovers alike.
