Merriam-Webster Added AI Terms to Dictionary
The addition of agentic and natural language processing in September 2026 formalizes evolving technical vernacular.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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In September 2026, Merriam-Webster formally added artificial intelligence terminology to its online dictionary. New entries include the terms agentic and natural language processing, reflecting their repeated appearance in mainstream media.
Why it matters
Technological and scientific innovations drive language change, requiring society to adopt complex units of meaning to communicate advanced concepts efficiently. Merriam-Webster updates its record to capture this shift in how the public articulates technical advancement.
Merriam-Webster maintains a history dating back to 1806, requiring that a word must appear repeatedly in mainstream media to qualify for formal inclusion. Specialist groups of physical- and biological-science definers then analyze technical usage to create definitions for a general audience.
The players
Merriam-Webster
An American publisher with roots dating back to 1806 that standardizes English language usage through its dictionary.
The details
Lexicographers identify potential dictionary entries by monitoring word frequency across mainstream media outlets. Once identified, specialist groups of physical- and biological-science definers translate technical jargon into definitions accessible to a general audience. This process ensures that complex nomenclature like natural language processing — the branch of computer science focused on giving computers the ability to understand human language — maintains consistent meaning in public discourse.
Timeline
1806: Merriam-Webster traces its history to this original word compendium publication date.
September 2026: The dictionary announced the formal addition of new AI-related terms.
The Tech Race
The dictionary's latest AI updates follow a continuous, two-century pattern of linguistic documentation established by its inaugural 1806 compendium. This ongoing effort to define modern technical terms sits alongside the dictionary's historic mission to codify language as it evolves alongside societal innovation.
The inclusion of these terms provides a standardized reference for professionals and the public when discussing AI development. This formalization helps clarify meaning in technical reports and general media as AI-integrated workflows become more widespread.
The takeaway
The formalization of AI terminology serves as a marker for how deeply these technologies have embedded themselves in daily communication. Readers should watch for future dictionary updates as technical innovations continue to demand new language to describe them.
Further reading
For more on how language adapts to shifting technical paradigms, visit Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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