What Is the Merriam Webster Word of the Year
Each year, Merriam-Webster selects a Word of the Year based on significant increases in dictionary lookups. The word reflects major events, cultural shifts, or new vocabulary entering mainstream use. The list is published on the Merriam-Webster website and covered by major news outlets.
How the Word Is Chosen
Merriam-Webster analyzes search data from its dictionary platform. Editors look for spikes in lookups compared to the previous year. The chosen word is one that many people consult at the same time, often because of news, social media, or public debate. The process is explained on the official Merriam-Webster site.
Recent Trends and Examples
Past words of the year often relate to politics, technology, or social issues. In some years, finance-related terms have appeared when economic events drove public interest. The dictionary also highlights words connected to AI, elections, and health. For current and past selections, see the official Merriam-Webster Word of the Year page.
