Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary Gets Major Update With 5,000 New Words Including Rizz, WFH, and Petrichor

Sep 25, 2025 04:23 pm CST

Merriam-Webster has released its first major update to the Collegiate Dictionary in 22 years, adding over 5,000 new words including petrichor, rizz, WFH, and ghost kitchen. The 12th edition preserves the tradition of print dictionaries while acknowledging changing language use in the digital era, arriving as physical dictionary sales decline but cultural significance remains.