Words like “sweatshirt” and “motel” are so common in Americans’ and Canadians everyday speech that it’s hard to imagine they were ever new. Yet in 1925 those were among the words just coming into regular use in U.S. society, according to Merriam-Webster .
A century later, in 2025, the Springfield, Massachusetts-based company issued the 12th edition of its Collegiate Dictionary, adding 5,000 new words to the volume that the editors call an “up-to-date reference for the current, active vocabulary of American English.”
The new words in Merriam-Webster’s first new Collegiate Dictionary in 22 years offer insight into how American English and the U.S. culture that influences it have evolved over the past two decades.
New additions, like “teraflop,” a measure of computer calculating speed, reflect the technological innovation that is a hallmark of American society.
In a nod to the internet’s continuing influence on North American life, Merriam-Webster President Greg Barlow notes that 1 billion visitors search the company’s website for definitions each year. “But people still love books,” Barlow said, announcing the new Collegiate Dictionary is “thoroughly updated and redesigned for students, professionals and word lovers.”
“Telework” is among the new words that reflect changing cultural trends. Others include “cold brew,” for coffee steeped 12 to 24 hours at room temperature or below, and “farm-to-table,” for food producers sell directly to consumers.
And there are new words for romance. “Love language,” a noun, is “a person’s characteristic means of showing love or care for another,” while “friend zone” is a state of friendship where one person’s romantic interest is unreturned.
The inclusion of informal, slang terms speaks to Merriam-Webster’s mission to “tell the truth about words by describing the language as it’s actually used.” While “rizz” conveys charisma or charm, “adulting” means performing the tasks of a responsible adult. “Doggo” even earned a place as an informal, relaxed term for man’s best friend. (U.S. State Dept./D. Thompson)
