Who decides what words are added to the dictionary?

While physical dictionaries are less common nowadays, you probably still use online dictionaries to learn what words mean. Some of the most popular dictionaries include the Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, and the Collins English Dictionary.

There are dozens of words in the dictionary that weren’t in them 20 years ago. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary added the word “hashtag” to its dictionary in 2014. The words “selfie” and “catfish” were added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2014. So, who gets to decide which words are added to the dictionary—and what are the criteria?

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How do words get into the dictionary?

Lexicographers (dictionary editors) are always on the lookout for new words to add to the dictionary. They take the time to read different mediums, like books or electronic publications, each day to find new words, or to find words that have a new meaning.

Once lexicographers find new words, they create a citation of the word and add it to a database. These citations are important as lexicographers need to be able to reference the context in which a word was used.

Once a new word is added to a database, dictionary editors research how often a word is used. To add a new word to the dictionary, the word must be used frequently, have widespread use, and have meaningful use.¹ Just because a slang word is used frequently for a few months doesn’t mean it will make its way into the dictionary. The words that are added to the database are next reviewed by senior employees.

How often are dictionaries updated?

With the internet, it’s easier for dictionaries to regularly add and update new words. The number of times a dictionary is updated will vary depending on the dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary updates its dictionary four times a year² .

Even older words need to be updated to have new meanings. For example, the word “catfish” used to just refer to a type of fish. Now it has a new meaning—today, it is used to refer to someone who creates a fake social media profile online.

How to add new words to Word

If you’re writing in Microsoft Word, you may type a new word that immediately receives a red underline, even though this word is now in the dictionary. Fortunately, you can add new words to Word. To add new words:

• Highlight the word that is underlined in red.
• Select Add to Dictionary.

Here’s another way you can add new words to Word:

• Select File in Word.
• Open Options.
• Choose Proofing.
• Select Custom Dictionaries.
• Select Edit Word List…
• Type in the new word that you want to add to your word processor’s dictionary, then select Add.
• Select OK.

New words that were added to the dictionary in 2022

There are hundreds of words that were added to the dictionary last year. Here are some words that were added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2022:

• Metaverse (a virtual environment)
• Laggy (having a slow response)
• Cringe (awkward or embarrassing)
• Sus (suspicious)
• Unbanked (not keeping money in a bank)
• Dumbphone (a cell phone that doesn’t have smartphone features)

Here are some new words that were added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2022:

• Gatekeep (to control who has access to something)
• Side hustle (to have a second job)
• Smart glasses (glasses that incorporate extra technology)
• Shockvertising (advertising that uses shock tactics to draw attention)

New words that were added to the dictionary in 2023

Here are some new words that were added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2023:

• Chonky (used to affectionately describe an overweight animal)
• Anti-gunner (an advocate for gun control)
• Aggressionist (used to describe a person who advocates for aggression)
• Groomswoman (a woman who acts as a groomsman in a wedding)
• Anti-government (a person who is opposed to the government)

Be on the lookout for new words and always make sure to research them before using them in conversation or in writing to avoid an awkward encounter. Explore more linguistic changes by learning the differences between British and American English.

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