Dictionary.com Grows with Its Most Significant Update to Date, Introducing 1,235 Fresh Entries
One of the most recognized facts about language is that it is in a constant state of transformation. Each year, our lexicon discards and gathers terms; slang bursts forth while other words recede; and grammatical norms increasingly embrace informal speech and emerging idioms. There are, of course, various ways to keep pace with this dynamic environment, and Dictionary.com is certainly one of them. It is particularly notable that, last month, the online dictionary introduced its most extensive word drop to date.
Compiled during the early months of 2025, Dictionary.com’s 1,235 fresh entries underscore how many novel words the English language has integrated. Remarkably, the latest update indicates that global cultures persist in influencing our language, particularly through significant contributions from Japanese, French, and Spanish. Okonomiyaki, for example, has been added to our vocabulary, referring to delicious Japanese pancakes that include cabbage and various other ingredients like noodles, meat, and seafood. Maneki-neko is another new addition, signifying the fortune-bringing figurine of a cat with one paw raised.
Unsurprisingly, new trends and slang have also influenced our language this year. Even though it’s already well-known among many, kiss cam has now been officially recognized (one notably viral occurrence at a Coldplay concert may have bolstered its case for acceptance). Coffee badging signifies the tension between return-to-office policies and those employees who favor remote work. This term describes individuals who come to the office just briefly to grab coffee or meet attendance requirements before heading home to complete their workday.
Furthermore, intensifying prefixes have surged in prevalence as well, with Dictionary.com highlighting superintelligence, ultrawide, and superyacht as representations. It is not surprising that terms connected to technology and science have also witnessed an equal surge, given the rapid advancements in both areas. Geolocate is one such term, whose addition can be attributed to the popularity of Find My, GeoGuessr, and other services and games related to location.
“This word drop mirrors how English persists in evolving and being influenced by cultural exchanges, technological advancements, and trending phenomena,” stated Dictionary.com. “The incorporation of 1,235 fresh entries is a considerable achievement, but our momentum will not be slowing.”
Explore the complete drop report on Dictionary.com.