Merriam-Webster Updates Dictionary with 1,400 New Terms, Including 'Looksmaxxing' and 'Meme Coin'

Key points

• Merriam-Webster announced the addition of 1,400 new words and definitions on September 16, 2026.
• New entries include 'shapewear,' 'looksmaxxing,' 'meme coin,' 'parasocial,' 'compute,' 'vibe coding,' and 'superfood.'
• The dictionary added 'cuffing season,' defined as a period when single individuals seek short-term romantic partners during colder months.
• 'Uncanny valley' was added, defined as the unsettling feeling caused by artificial entities that appear almost but not quite human.
• The 2025 Word of the Year was 'slop,' defined as low-quality digital content produced in large quantities by AI.
• Merriam-Webster has not yet announced the 2026 Word of the Year, which is typically revealed in the final quarter of the year.

Background

Merriam-Webster regularly updates its dictionary to reflect evolving language usage. In 2025, the company designated 'slop' as its Word of the Year, highlighting the growing impact of AI-generated content on public discourse. The current update follows this trend, incorporating terms related to AI and internet culture. The archive reference to MTG's The Hobbit set is unrelated to this story and does not provide relevant background.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and The Daily Beast both reported on the 1,400-word update, emphasizing the inclusion of internet and AI-related terms. NBC News highlighted 'cuffing season' and 'uncanny valley' as timely additions, while The Daily Beast focused on 'California sober' and 'cake pop' as examples of cultural shifts. Both outlets noted the publisher's statement that entries are based on widespread usage, with no formal committee involved. There is no disagreement between the sources on the core facts, but they emphasize different examples from the update.

Why it matters

The update reflects how rapidly language evolves in response to technology and social media. The inclusion of terms like 'looksmaxxing' and 'meme coin' shows the dictionary's effort to capture contemporary usage. The addition of 'uncanny valley' and 'vibe coding' underscores the growing influence of AI on everyday language. This update provides insight into the cultural and technological trends shaping modern communication.

What to watch

Merriam-Webster is expected to announce its 2026 Word of the Year in the final quarter of the year. The company will continue to monitor language usage for future updates, with no formal committee involved in the selection process. The dictionary will likely add more terms related to AI and internet culture as these topics continue to shape public discourse.