From “vibe coding” to “trash panda,” the internet has officially talked its way into the dictionary.
Merriam-Webster has expanded its online catalog with 1,400 new words and definitions, giving the language a digital-age refresh and granting official recognition to an internet-fueled collection that includes “looksmaxxing,” “parasocial” and “Rickroll.”
The publisher stated that the new entries reflect terms and meanings that have demonstrated widespread use over time, offering what it called “a window into the world today.”
Words and definitions appear on a printed dictionary page in a file image. Merriam-Webster said new entries must demonstrate widespread use over time. (Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Merriam-Webster pointed to social media culture as a driving force behind many of the additions. “Looksmaxxing,” a term tied to efforts to improve one’s physical appearance, made the cut alongside “parasocial,” which commonly describes a one-sided connection someone feels toward a public figure or media personality.
The publisher also welcomed “meme coin,” “promposal” and “Rickroll,” the internet prank that redirects an unsuspecting user to Rick Astley’s 1987 music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
Several AI applications can be seen on a smartphone screen, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, Grok and DeepSeek. (Philip Dulian/dpa/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Artificial intelligence left a major imprint on the update, with “vibe coding,” “AGI” and a new noun form of “compute” joining the dictionary.
The publisher also added “uncanny valley,” the unsettling feeling sparked by something artificial that appears nearly human, but not quite.
The additions stretch well beyond screens and Silicon Valley.
Food-related newcomers include “superfood,” “cake pop,” “shishito,” “bao” and “chili crisp.” The relationship term “cuffing season” also earned a spot, defined as a period when single people seek short-term romantic partners during the colder months.
The Merriam-Webster logo is displayed on a smartphone. The publisher added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online dictionary. (Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Other entries capture the mood of modern life, including “Sunday scaries,” “crashout,” “copium,” “California sober” and “yacht rock.” “Shapewear” and “neckbeard” were also added, while “letterboxing” received a new digital meaning.
The list even includes the “Mandela Effect,” a term for a shared false memory, and “trash panda,” a playful name for a raccoon.
The one-of-one gold Jimothy rookie card pulled by 13-year-old Mariners fan Abby sold for $21,100 after attracting 100 bids on eBay. (oscar_j104 via eBay / Fox News)
Merriam-Webster emphasized that words are not added simply because they suddenly go viral. Its editors look for sustained, widespread use before an entry is granted a place in the dictionary.
The sweeping update comes just months before Merriam-Webster is expected to announce its 2026 Word of the Year.
In 2025, the publisher selected “slop,” defining it as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.”
“The flood of slop in 2025 included absurd videos, off-kilter advertising images, cheesy propaganda, fake news that looks pretty real, junky AI-written books, ‘workslop’ reports that waste coworkers’ time … and lots of talking cats,” Merriam-Webster said at the time. “People found it annoying, and people ate it up.”
