Introduction: Why It Matters How Words Enter the Dictionary
Have you ever wondered who decides when a new word becomes “official”? Many English learners believe that dictionaries control the language. In reality, dictionaries do not create words — they record how people use them. Understanding how a word gets into the dictionary helps you better understand how English grows and changes over time.
New words appear every year. Some come from technology, social media, science, or pop culture. Others come from different languages. But not every new word becomes part of the dictionary. There is a careful process behind this decision.
Who Decides What Goes into the Dictionary?
Professional dictionary publishers such as Oxford English Dictionary (OED), Merriam-Webster, and Cambridge Dictionary employ experts called lexicographers. A lexicographer is a person who studies words and writes dictionary entries.
Lexicographers do not invent words. Instead, they:
- Study how people use language in real life
- Collect examples from books, websites, newspapers, and social media
- Track how often a word appears
- Analyze whether the word has a stable meaning
The Main Steps: How a Word Gets Added
1. The Word Is Used Frequently
The first requirement is usage. A word must be used by many people, not just one person or a small group. It must appear in different places over time.
Example: The word “selfie” was widely used on social media before it entered dictionaries.
If a word appears only once or twice, it is unlikely to be added.
2. The Word Has a Clear and Stable Meaning
The meaning of the word must be clear and consistent. If different people use the word in very different ways, lexicographers will wait.
Example: “Podcast” quickly developed a clear meaning: a digital audio program you can download or stream.
3. The Word Is Used Over Time
A new word must show staying power. Some trendy words disappear after a few months. Dictionaries usually wait to see if the word continues to be used for several years.
Example: “Blog” appeared in the late 1990s and remained popular before being added to major dictionaries.
4. The Word Appears in Different Sources
Lexicographers collect evidence from newspapers, books, academic writing, blogs, and even spoken language. This collection of texts is called a corpus.
Example sentence from news media: “Many companies now allow employees to work remotely.”
Once “remotely” was commonly used to describe working outside the office, dictionaries updated its definition.
5. Editors Review and Approve the Word
Finally, dictionary editors review all the evidence. They decide:
- The correct spelling
- The part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.)
- The definition
- Example sentences
If everything meets the standards, the word is added in the next update.
What Types of Words Get Added?
Technology Words
Example: “Smartphone” changed how we describe mobile phones.
Social and Cultural Words
Example: “Influencer” now means a person who affects others’ buying decisions through social media.
Shortened Words
Example: “App” is a shortened form of “application.”
Words from Other Languages
Example: “Sushi” (from Japanese) and “Café” (from French) are now standard English words.
What Does NOT Get Added?
Not all words make it into the dictionary. Here are some examples:
- Very rare words used by only a few people
- Temporary slang that disappears quickly
- Personal inventions that never spread widely
Example: A made-up word used only within one friend group is unlikely to be added.
Dictionary vs. Slang: What’s the Difference?
| Dictionary Word | Slang Word |
|---|---|
| Widely used across many groups | Often limited to a specific group |
| Used over a long period | May be temporary |
| Has a stable meaning | Meaning may change quickly |
| Recorded in formal writing | Often used in informal speech |
However, some slang words become permanent and eventually enter the dictionary.
Example: “Cool” began as slang meaning “fashionable” or “good,” but is now standard English.
Real-World Example: The Journey of a Word
Let’s look at the word “emoji.”
- First used in Japanese technology
- Became popular with smartphone users
- Spread globally through texting and social media
- Used consistently with a clear meaning (small digital image expressing emotion)
- Added to major dictionaries after strong evidence of use
Example sentence: “She added a smiley emoji to her message.”
How Long Does It Take?
There is no fixed timeline. Some words enter quickly if they spread rapidly.
Example: “COVID-19” was added very quickly because it became globally important.
Other words may take many years before editors are confident they will remain in use.
Why Dictionaries Update Regularly
Modern dictionaries update several times a year, especially online dictionaries. Language changes fast, especially with the internet. Online updates allow dictionaries to stay current.
Print dictionaries are updated less often because printing new editions takes time and money.
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
- Dictionaries record language — they do not control it.
- A word must be widely used and understood.
- The meaning must be clear and stable.
- The word must be used over time.
- Lexicographers collect evidence before adding a word.
- Some slang words eventually become standard English.
Conclusion
Language is alive and constantly changing. New words reflect new technology, new ideas, and cultural changes. A word gets into the dictionary only after careful study and strong evidence of real-world use. As an English learner, understanding this process helps you see that English is flexible and always evolving. The next time you hear a new word, you may be witnessing the early stage of a future dictionary entry.