NEW YORK (AP) — Merriam-Webster has taken a bold step in its publishing strategy by fully revising its iconic Collegiate Dictionary. The new 12th edition will officially launch on November 18, 2023, adding over 5,000 words reflecting contemporary usage including terms such as 'petrichor'—the pleasant smell after rain, 'dumbphone'—basic mobile devices preceding smartphones, and 'ghost kitchen'—commercial cooking spaces that gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The last hard-copy update was 22 years ago, a period during which traditional dictionary sales have declined. According to Circana BookScan, overall adult reference book sales fell by 9% from the previous year, with Merriam-Webster selling around 1.5 million dictionaries annually. However, the new edition intends to offer a fresh take, utilizing more relevant examples and focusing on current language trends.
In response to readers' needs, Merriam-Webster's President, Greg Barlow, stated, We wanted the 'Collegiate' to be more useful, interesting, and enjoyable to browse. The revision process involved removing sections with sparse geographical and biographical entries and also phasing out some outdated words such as 'enwheel,' which means to encircle. Enhanced entries and over 20,000 usage examples will guide readers and enable them to navigate the evolving lexicon.
Despite the digital age drastically changing reading habits, there is still a market for print dictionaries. Many consumers express a desire for tangible reference materials at home, suggesting that nostalgia plays a role in dictionary sales. Retailers like Barnes & Noble are observing a year-over-year increase in dictionary sales, with customers appreciating the ability to pull a physical book off the shelf and look up a word.
The dichotomy between digital and print dictionaries continues to grow as Merriam-Webster also thrives online, with its website attracting about a billion visitors annually. With more curated word lists and detailed lexical histories included in the new edition, the Collegiate Dictionary aims to cater not only to students but to anyone who cherishes the intricacies of language.
This updated release is a step toward not just preserving but also celebrating the evolution of the English language in both print and digital formats. The future of dictionaries, as mentioned by lexicographer Grant Barrett, lies in striking a balance as users gravitate toward free digital resources while also feeling the intrinsic value of physical books.
The last hard-copy update was 22 years ago, a period during which traditional dictionary sales have declined. According to Circana BookScan, overall adult reference book sales fell by 9% from the previous year, with Merriam-Webster selling around 1.5 million dictionaries annually. However, the new edition intends to offer a fresh take, utilizing more relevant examples and focusing on current language trends.
In response to readers' needs, Merriam-Webster's President, Greg Barlow, stated, We wanted the 'Collegiate' to be more useful, interesting, and enjoyable to browse. The revision process involved removing sections with sparse geographical and biographical entries and also phasing out some outdated words such as 'enwheel,' which means to encircle. Enhanced entries and over 20,000 usage examples will guide readers and enable them to navigate the evolving lexicon.
Despite the digital age drastically changing reading habits, there is still a market for print dictionaries. Many consumers express a desire for tangible reference materials at home, suggesting that nostalgia plays a role in dictionary sales. Retailers like Barnes & Noble are observing a year-over-year increase in dictionary sales, with customers appreciating the ability to pull a physical book off the shelf and look up a word.
The dichotomy between digital and print dictionaries continues to grow as Merriam-Webster also thrives online, with its website attracting about a billion visitors annually. With more curated word lists and detailed lexical histories included in the new edition, the Collegiate Dictionary aims to cater not only to students but to anyone who cherishes the intricacies of language.
This updated release is a step toward not just preserving but also celebrating the evolution of the English language in both print and digital formats. The future of dictionaries, as mentioned by lexicographer Grant Barrett, lies in striking a balance as users gravitate toward free digital resources while also feeling the intrinsic value of physical books.
