Have you ever wondered how a word gets added to the dictionary? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of dictionaries and learn how they work!
A dictionary is like a special book that lists words and explains what they mean. It’s a tool that helps us understand and use language better. The people who create dictionaries are called lexicographers, and they work hard to decide which words should be included.
Dictionaries have been around for a long time. The first English dictionary was published in 1604 by Robert Cawdrey. Over the years, many different dictionaries were created, each reflecting the opinions and choices of their authors. Some famous dictionary creators, like Ambrose Bierce and Samuel Johnson, even added their personal views to the definitions.
In 1828, an American named Noah Webster published “An American Dictionary of the English Language.” He wanted to create a version of English that was unique to the United States, separate from British English. Webster included words that Americans used in everyday life, even slang, which was unusual at the time. He believed that language should reflect how people actually spoke.
However, Webster’s personal opinions influenced his work. He left out slang from Black communities and defined words like “woman” based on his own views. Despite this, his dictionary became very popular.
After Webster’s death, the Merriam brothers bought the rights to his dictionary and created a new edition. This marked the start of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which is still used today. Unlike Webster’s original work, the modern dictionary is created by a team of language experts who decide which words to include.
Today, for a word to be added to the dictionary, it needs to be used widely, consistently, and meaningfully. This means it should be a word that lots of people use and understand. Dictionaries also update old definitions to match how language and society change over time.
For example, the word “wife” used to be defined in a way that reflected old-fashioned views about marriage. Now, it’s simply defined as “a female partner in a marriage.” In 2019, the word “they” was recognized as a pronoun for people who identify as nonbinary.
In the past, a single person might decide what went into a dictionary. But today, it’s a team effort. Lexicographers look at how people use language and even track which words are most searched online. This means that we all have a say in what words get added to the dictionary.
So, the next time you use a new word or hear one that’s becoming popular, remember that you are part of the process that shapes our language. Together, we help decide which words make it into the dictionary!
Imagine you are a lexicographer! Choose five new or interesting words that you think should be added to a dictionary. Research their meanings, usage, and origins. Write a definition for each word and explain why you believe it deserves a place in the dictionary. Share your mini dictionary with the class and discuss your choices.
Create a timeline that highlights the key events in the history of dictionaries, from the first English dictionary by Robert Cawdrey to the modern Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Use images, dates, and brief descriptions to illustrate how dictionaries have evolved over time. Present your timeline to the class and explain the significance of each event.
Pick a word that has recently been added to the dictionary or one that has changed its meaning over time. Investigate how this word is used in different contexts today. Find examples from books, articles, or social media. Present your findings to the class and discuss how the word’s usage reflects changes in society or culture.
In groups, role-play as a team of lexicographers deciding whether to add a new word to the dictionary. Each group will receive a different word to evaluate. Discuss its usage, popularity, and relevance. Present your decision to the class, explaining your reasoning and the criteria you used to make your choice.
Choose a word with a controversial or evolving definition, such as “they” as a singular pronoun. Research different perspectives on its usage and meaning. Hold a class debate where you argue for or against the inclusion of this definition in the dictionary. Use evidence from your research to support your arguments.
**Dictionary:** noun, “a literary resource for defining and cataloging the growth of a language.”
**Lexicographer:** noun, “a writer of dictionaries; a diligent compiler.”
The concept of a dictionary dates back to ancient civilizations, with the first English dictionary published by Robert Cawdrey in 1604. In the centuries that followed, many more dictionaries were created by individual authors who chose what to include or exclude. These dictionaries not only defined words but also reflected the opinions of their creators—like Ambrose Bierce’s and Samuel Johnson’s definitions.
After their authors’ deaths, many of these dictionaries quickly became outdated. However, one 19th-century dictionary had a different fate. In 1828, American lawyer and author Noah Webster published “An American Dictionary of the English Language” with a significant goal: to provide the United States with its own version of the English language. He believed that as a new nation, the United States needed a distinct version of English to assert its independence from Britain. In his dictionary, Webster aimed to describe and formalize the way Americans spoke.
Most dictionaries in Webster’s time were prescriptive, dictating how words should be used rather than documenting actual language use in daily life. When Webster broke this convention and included slang words, critics accused him of compromising the English language. He argued that these words captured local variations—a vital part of what made American English unique. He also believed that spelling rules were unnecessarily complex and that writing should reflect spoken language as much as possible.
Still, Webster’s own opinions influenced the words he included and how he defined them. He excluded slang from Black communities because he didn’t consider them proper. When defining “woman,” he described women in a way that reflected his views of femininity. By the time of his death, Noah Webster was a household name.
Seeing a business opportunity, brothers George and Charles Merriam acquired the rights to Webster’s Dictionary. Together with Webster’s son-in-law, they produced a new, revised edition, marking the beginning of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Today, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary addresses a contradiction in Webster’s goal: he wanted to represent an entire nation but based his work on his own opinions. Since Webster’s death, each new edition has been curated by a group of language experts rather than a single authority.
The current criteria for including a word in the dictionary are that it has “widespread, sustained, and meaningful use.” This includes a broader range of language than in the past. While racial slurs meet the criteria for inclusion, there is debate about whether including them might legitimize their use. Dictionaries not only add new words but also redefine old ones to reflect changing attitudes.
For example, a 1736 dictionary defined “wife” as “a married woman whose will, in the judgment of the law, is subject to the will of her husband.” Today, “wife” is simply defined as “a female partner in a marriage.” In 2019, Merriam-Webster’s word of the year was “they,” which has gained recognition as a pronoun for individuals whose gender identity is nonbinary.
The question of which words belong in the dictionary impacts all of us—when our words and definitions are represented, they are affirmed; if not, they—and we—are minimized. Today, lexicographers have expanded word sourcing to include the dictionary’s users, tracking which words are most searched and adding them to the dictionary.
So, who decides what’s in the dictionary? More than ever before, the answer is: we do. All of us shape language every day. When we collectively embrace a word or redefine another, those words and meanings are eventually reflected in our dictionaries.
Dictionary – A book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language and gives their meaning, or gives the equivalent words in a different language. – Emily used the dictionary to find the meaning of the new word she encountered in her reading assignment.
Words – Units of language that have meaning and can be spoken or written. – The author carefully chose her words to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
Language – A system of communication used by a particular country or community. – English is a language that is spoken by millions of people around the world.
Lexicographers – People who compile dictionaries. – Lexicographers work hard to ensure that dictionaries are accurate and up-to-date.
English – The language that originated in England and is now widely spoken around the world. – In English class, we learned about Shakespeare’s influence on the language.
Slang – Informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker’s language. – The characters in the novel used a lot of slang to make their dialogue sound realistic.
Definitions – Explanations of the meanings of words or phrases. – The teacher asked us to write definitions for the vocabulary words we studied this week.
Popular – Liked or admired by many people or by a particular person or group. – The novel became popular because of its relatable characters and engaging plot.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – In literature class, we discussed how historical events influenced the themes of the book.
Society – A community of people living together and sharing customs, laws, and organizations. – The novel explores the impact of technology on modern society.
