Merriam-Webster adds 1,400 words

The dictionary expanded with new entries reflecting internet slang, dating terminology, AI jargon, and food words that show how language is changing.

“The new entries reflect words and meanings that have demonstrated widespread use over time, offering a window into the world today.”

Glow-up gets official definition

Merriam-Webster defines glow-up as a usually dramatic enhancement to someone's or something's physical appearance, and called the new word additions a glow-up of its own.

“a usually dramatic enhancement especially to someone's or something's physical appearance”

Cuffing season enters the dictionary

The phrase describes when single people look for short-term romantic partners as temperatures drop and colder months approach.

“a time of the year when people who are not married or in a relationship begin looking for a short-term romantic partner”

Internet culture dominates new words

Looksmaxxing, parasocial, Rickroll, meme coin, promposal, and the Mandela Effect all entered the dictionary, reflecting social media's influence on language.

AI and tech terms get added

Vibe coding, AGI (artificial general intelligence), compute as a noun, and uncanny valley all entered the dictionary as technology reshapes how we communicate.

Food, slang, and culture round it out

Cake pop, shishito, bao, chili crisp, crashout, copium, trash panda, and Sunday scaries joined the dictionary alongside yacht rock and California sober.