London, UK – Springfield, USA

In a rare and significant update reflecting the rapidly evolving English language, Merriam-Webster has announced the addition of over 5,000 new words to its popular Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. The monumental revision—the first hard-copy update to the dictionary in over two decades—introduces contemporary terms like ‘rizz,’ ‘ghost kitchen,’ and ‘dad bod,’ cementing their place in the official lexicon.

The 12th Edition of the Collegiate Dictionary, set for release on November 18, 2025, serves as a time capsule of the modern era, showing how technology, food culture, and slang have fundamentally changed how people communicate.

Headline Points

 * 5,000+ New Entries: Merriam-Webster added over 5,000 new words and phrases, marking the dictionary’s first major physical revision since 2003.

 * Slang Becomes Official: Viral slang terms like ‘rizz’ (defined as romantic appeal or charm) and ‘dad bod’ (a physique regarded as typical of an average father) have been officially recognised.

 * Modern Work & Life: The update captures contemporary trends with additions such as ‘WFH’ (working from home), ‘doomscroll,’ and ‘adulting.’

 * New Economy: Terms reflecting changes in technology and the business world, including ‘ghost kitchen’ (a commercial kitchen used to prepare food for delivery-only restaurants) and ‘dumbphone,’ are now included.

 * Enhanced Content: To accommodate the new entries, the dictionary has removed some less-used geographical and biographical sections, focusing instead on over 20,000 new usage examples and enhanced entries for top-searched words.

From TikTok to the Lexicon

The latest batch of additions highlights the powerful influence of the internet and social media on language. The incorporation of ‘rizz’, a term popularised by Gen Z on platforms like TikTok and Twitch, demonstrates Merriam-Webster’s commitment to documenting language as it is actually used.

Other casual, yet widely adopted, phrases now deemed official include:

 * Hard pass: A firm refusal or rejection.

 * Side-eye: A sidelong glance expressing scorn or disapproval.

 * Beast mode: An extremely aggressive or energetic style or manner adopted temporarily.

 * Cancel culture: The practice of publicly withdrawing support for people or companies after they have said or done something considered objectionable or offensive.

Defining the Digital and Culinary Age

The new edition also provides critical vocabulary for discussing today’s digital, social, and culinary landscapes. The inclusion of ‘ghost kitchen’ acknowledges the explosive growth of the delivery-only food service model. Meanwhile, the technology sector is represented by terms like ‘teraflop’ (a unit of computer speed) and the nostalgic ‘dumbphone’ (a simple cellphone without advanced smartphone features).

Even classic pleasures have new names, with ‘cold brew’ and ‘farm-to-table’ now officially part of the dictionary, validating their status as common cultural touchpoints.

Merriam-Webster’s President, Greg Barlow, stated that while digital resources remain their primary channel for daily updates, the print edition serves as the company’s “heart.” By shedding less-relevant entries and embracing modern vocabulary, the dictionary aims to remain a useful, browsable, and cherished resource for word lovers and students seeking to understand the English language of today.