What is Merriam-Webster, Incorporated primarily known for publishing?

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated is an American company primarily known for publishing reference books, most notably its dictionaries. It holds the distinction of being the oldest dictionary publisher in the United States.

When was Merriam-Webster founded, and under what original name?

The company was founded in 1831 by George and Charles Merriam as G & C Merriam Co.

Who are the founders of Merriam-Webster?

The founders of Merriam-Webster were George Merriam and Charles Merriam.

Where is Merriam-Webster headquartered?

Merriam-Webster is headquartered at 47 Federal Street in Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.

What is the parent company of Merriam-Webster?

Merriam-Webster's parent company is Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

What types of publications does Merriam-Webster produce?

Merriam-Webster publishes reference books and online dictionaries.

Who currently owns Merriam-Webster?

Merriam-Webster is owned by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

What is the official website for Merriam-Webster?

The official website for Merriam-Webster is merriam-webster.com.

How did G & C Merriam Co. acquire rights to Noah Webster's dictionary?

In 1843, after Noah Webster's death, George and Charles Merriam purchased the rights to publish and revise his work, *An American Dictionary of the English Language*, from his estate. All Merriam-Webster dictionaries trace their lineage back to this foundational work.

What was Noah Webster's motivation for creating *An American Dictionary of the English Language*?

Noah Webster aimed to standardize American speech, as vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation varied across different regions of the United States. He also sought to trace the etymology of words.

How many languages did Noah Webster learn to aid his etymological research for his dictionary?

To assist in tracing word etymologies, Noah Webster learned 26 languages.

What was the approximate number of words in Noah Webster's *An American Dictionary of the English Language* when he completed it in 1825?

Noah Webster's comprehensive dictionary, completed in 1825, featured approximately 70,000 words, about 12,000 of which had not previously appeared in any dictionary.

What innovation did Noah Webster introduce in his 1828 dictionary regarding spelling?

As a spelling reformer, Noah Webster introduced American English spellings in his dictionary, such as replacing 'colour' with 'color,' 'waggon' with 'wagon,' and 'centre' with 'center,' believing English spelling rules were unnecessarily complex.

Did Noah Webster's first dictionary achieve immediate commercial success?

No, Noah Webster's first dictionary, published in 1828, was a commercial disappointment, selling only 2,500 copies and leaving him in debt. However, a second edition in 1840 proved to be a much greater commercial success.

How did the Merriam brothers update Noah Webster's dictionary after acquiring the rights?

In 1847, George and Charles Merriam published a revised version that kept the main text intact but added new sections. They later published a second update with illustrations in 1859.

When was the first significant overhaul of Webster's text by Merriam, resulting in a greatly expanded edition?

In 1864, Merriam published a greatly expanded edition that significantly altered Webster's original text, though it retained many of his definitions and the title *An American Dictionary*.

How did the number of words in Merriam's dictionary evolve by 1884?

By 1884, the Merriam edition contained 118,000 words, which was reported as '3000 more than any other English dictionary' at the time.

What significant title change occurred in 1890, and what followed in the early 20th century?

In 1890, the company published a dictionary titled *Webster's International*. Subsequent editions, *Webster's New International* in 1909 and 1934, vastly expanded the vocabulary to over half a million words. The 1934 edition is also known as 'The Second Edition' of the New International.

When was the *Collegiate Dictionary* first introduced, and how did it relate to the unabridged editions?

The *Collegiate Dictionary* was introduced in 1898. Following the publication of *Webster's International* in 1890, two *Collegiate* editions were issued as abridgments of the corresponding *Unabridged* editions.

What significant dictionary was published in 1961, and who edited it?

In 1961, Merriam published *Webster's Third New International*, edited by Philip B. Gove.

What kind of controversy did *Webster's Third New International Dictionary* spark?

The revisions in *Webster's Third New International Dictionary* sparked public controversy. Many changes involved formatting, omitting punctuation, and avoiding complete sentences where a phrase sufficed. More significantly, the revisions signaled a shift from linguistic prescriptivism (telling people how they *should* use language) towards linguistic description (describing how people *actually* use language).

When did Merriam-Webster become a subsidiary of Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.?

Merriam-Webster became a subsidiary of Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. in 1964.

What notable change was introduced in the ninth edition of the *Collegiate* dictionary in 1983?

In 1983, the ninth edition of the *Collegiate*, titled *Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary* (WNNCD), distinguished itself by including the date of the first known citation for each word to document its entry into the English language. This edition also saw the return of some proper names to the word list.

When did the company officially adopt the name Merriam-Webster, Incorporated?

The company adopted its current name, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, in 1982, which was first reflected in the publication of *Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary*. Previously, publications used 'A Merriam-Webster Dictionary' as a subtitle.

What did the eleventh edition of the *Collegiate Dictionary*, published in 2003, contain?

The eleventh edition of the *Collegiate*, published in 2003, contained over 225,000 definitions and more than 165,000 entries. A CD-ROM version of the text was sometimes included.

How does *The Chicago Manual of Style* reference Merriam-Webster dictionaries?

*The Chicago Manual of Style* considers the *Collegiate Dictionary* (specifically the eleventh edition) its preferred source for general matters of spelling and typically opts for the first spelling listed in the dictionary.

How has Merriam-Webster utilized social media, particularly Twitter?

Merriam-Webster maintains an active social media presence, often posting dictionary-related content and commentary on politics. Its Twitter account has frequently used dictionary jargon to criticize and comment on political events and figures, such as the Trump administration.

Can you provide an example of Merriam-Webster's social media commentary?

In November 2021, Merriam-Webster posted a tweet that subtly suggested Kyle Rittenhouse was crying falsely during his trial, which gained significant attention and went viral.

When did Merriam-Webster launch its first website, and what did it offer?

Merriam-Webster launched its first website in 1996, providing free access to an online dictionary and thesaurus.

Besides dictionaries and thesauri, what other types of reference books has Merriam-Webster published?

Merriam-Webster has published dictionaries of synonyms, English usage, geography (*Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary*), biography, proper names, medical terms, sports terms, and slang, as well as Spanish/English dictionaries. They have also published works like the *Collegiate Thesaurus*, *Secretarial Handbook*, *Manual for Writers and Editors*, *Collegiate Encyclopedia*, *Encyclopedia of Literature*, and *Encyclopedia of World Religions*.

What mobile service did Merriam-Webster launch in 2007?

On February 16, 2007, Merriam-Webster announced the launch of a mobile dictionary and thesaurus service, developed with Ask Me How, allowing users to access definitions, spelling, and synonyms via text message.

What is the 'Open Dictionary' service offered by Merriam-Webster?

The 'Open Dictionary' service is a wiki platform that allows subscribers to create and submit their own new words and definitions.

What was unique about the phonetic symbols Merriam-Webster historically used in its dictionaries?

Merriam-Webster once used a unique set of phonetic symbols designed to help people from different regions of the United States learn to pronounce words consistently with others sharing similar accents or dialects.

How does Merriam-Webster handle pronunciation guides for its online services, given Unicode limitations?

Since Unicode did not support Merriam-Webster's specific phonetic symbols until version 4.0 (2003), the company specifies phonetics for its online services using a less specific set of ASCII characters to ensure computerized access without needing to convert all dictionaries to IPA notation.

How does Merriam-Webster gather information for its dictionary entries?

Merriam-Webster creates entries by finding uses of words in print and recording them in a database of citations. Editors study these uses from various print sources to decide what should be preserved.

How much time do Merriam editors reportedly spend daily on studying word usage?

Editors at Merriam reportedly spend about an hour each day examining print sources, including books, newspapers, advertisements, and product packaging, to study word usage.

How extensive is Merriam-Webster's citation file?

Merriam-Webster's citation file contains more than 16 million entries, documenting individual uses of words.

How are new entries recorded in Merriam-Webster's citation files since 2009?

Since 2009, all new entries documenting word usage are recorded in an electronic database. Millions of older citations are still maintained on 3-by-5 cards in their paper citation files, dating back to the late 19th century.

What word game, launched in 2022, is owned by Merriam-Webster?

The word game Quordle, launched in 2022, is owned by Merriam-Webster.

Where can one find the G. & C. Merriam Company Collection?

The G. & C. Merriam Company Collection is housed at the Amherst College Archives & Special Collections.

What kind of media related to Merriam-Webster can be found on Wikimedia Commons?

Wikimedia Commons hosts media files related to Merriam-Webster, such as logos and potentially images of their publications.

What international databases are listed for Merriam-Webster's authority control?

International databases listed for Merriam-Webster's authority control include ISNI, VIAF, and GND (German National Library).

Which national library systems provide authority control data for Merriam-Webster?

National library systems providing authority control data include the Library of Congress (United States), the Bibliothèque nationale de France (France), the National Library of Israel, and the National Library of the Czech Republic.

What academic database is mentioned in Merriam-Webster's authority control section?

The academic database CiNii (Citation Information by NII) is listed for Merriam-Webster's authority control.

What specific American spellings did Noah Webster introduce in his dictionary?

Noah Webster introduced American English spellings such as replacing 'colour' with 'color,' 'waggon' with 'wagon,' and 'centre' with 'center'.

What was the significance of the date of the first known citation for each word when introduced in *Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary*?

The inclusion of the date of the first known citation for each word in *Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary* served to document the word's entry into the English language.

How many citations are contained within Merriam-Webster's citation file?

Merriam-Webster's citation file contains more than 16 million entries, documenting individual uses of words.

What is the approximate age of the earliest entries in Merriam-Webster's paper citation files?

The earliest entries in Merriam-Webster's paper citation files date back to the late 19th century.

What is the purpose of Merriam-Webster's 'Open Dictionary' service?

The 'Open Dictionary' service is a wiki platform that allows subscribers to create and submit their own new words and definitions.

Merriam-webster Wiki: Merriam-Webster: The Architects of American Lexicography

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About Merriam-Webster

An American Institution

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, is a distinguished American company renowned for its publication of reference works, most notably its comprehensive dictionaries. It holds the distinction of being the oldest dictionary publisher within the United States, embodying a legacy of linguistic scholarship and preservation.

Lineage and Foundation

The company's origins trace back to 1831 when George and Charles Merriam established it as G & C Merriam Co. in Springfield, Massachusetts. A pivotal moment occurred in 1843 when the company acquired the rights to Noah Webster's seminal work, An American Dictionary of the English Language. This acquisition cemented the lineage of all subsequent Merriam-Webster dictionaries, tracing their authoritative roots directly to Webster's foundational scholarship.

Corporate Evolution

In 1964, Merriam-Webster, Inc. became a subsidiary of Encyclopæedia Britannica, Inc. The company officially adopted its current name, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, in 1982, reflecting its enduring commitment to lexicographical excellence under the recognized banner of its founders.

A Chronicle of Words

The 19th Century: Foundation and Expansion

The genesis of Merriam-Webster's lexicographical journey began with Noah Webster's publication of A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language in 1806. Driven by a desire to standardize American English, Webster dedicated two decades to his magnum opus, An American Dictionary of the English Language, learning 26 languages to meticulously trace word etymologies. Despite initial commercial challenges, his 1840 second edition achieved significant success.

1806: Noah Webster publishes his first dictionary.
1828: Webster publishes An American Dictionary of the English Language, introducing American spellings and words.
1843: G & C Merriam acquires publishing rights to Webster's dictionary after his death.
1847: Merriam publishes a revised version.
1864: A greatly expanded edition is published, marking significant revisions to Webster's original text.
1884: The edition contains 118,000 words, surpassing other English dictionaries.
1890: Webster's International is published, followed by Collegiate Dictionary editions.

The 20th Century: Evolution and Controversy

The 20th century saw Merriam-Webster continue to evolve its flagship dictionaries. The 1961 publication of Webster's Third New International Dictionary, under Philip B. Gove, sparked considerable public debate. Revisions signaled a shift from prescriptive to descriptive linguistics, documenting American English as it was used, which drew criticism from those favoring stricter linguistic rules.

1909, 1934: Editions of Webster's New International are published, featuring over half a million words.
1961: Webster's Third New International Dictionary is released, introducing descriptive linguistic principles and causing controversy.
1964: The company becomes a subsidiary of Encyclopæedia Britannica, Inc.
1982: The company officially adopts the name Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
1983: Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (WNNCD) is published, establishing itself as a distinct entity with features like citation dates.

The 21st Century: Digital Presence and Modern Engagement

Entering the 21st century, Merriam-Webster embraced the digital age. The 2003 publication of the eleventh edition of Collegiate marked a significant update. The company has cultivated a robust online presence, leveraging social media platforms to engage with language enthusiasts and comment on contemporary issues, often using linguistic nuance to address political and cultural topics.

2003: The eleventh edition of Collegiate is published, featuring over 225,000 definitions.
Ongoing: Active social media presence, notably on Twitter, engaging with language trends and current events.
2022: Launches Quordle, an online word game, demonstrating diversification into interactive language platforms.
Recent: Continues to update online dictionaries and thesauri, maintaining relevance in the digital landscape.

Key Facts

Corporate Structure

Parent Company: Encyclopæedia Britannica, Inc.

Owner(s): Encyclopæedia Britannica, Inc.

Establishment

Founded: 1831 (as G & C Merriam Co.)

Founder(s): George Merriam, Charles Merriam

Location & Output

Country of Origin: United States

Headquarters: 47 Federal Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.

Publication Types: Reference books, online dictionaries

Online Presence

Official Website: merriam-webster.com

Comprehensive Services

Digital Lexicon

In 1996, Merriam-Webster launched its inaugural website, providing free access to its extensive online dictionary and thesaurus. This marked a significant step in making its linguistic resources widely accessible to the public.

Mobile Accessibility

Further expanding its reach, Merriam-Webster introduced mobile dictionary and thesaurus services in 2007 through partnerships. This allows users to access definitions, spellings, and synonyms via text message, integrating linguistic tools into daily communication.

Interactive Language Tools

Beyond core definitions, Merriam-Webster offers engaging features such as the "Word of the Day" and the "Open Dictionary," a wiki service enabling subscribers to contribute and submit new words and definitions. This fosters a dynamic and participatory approach to language evolution.

Pronunciation Guides

Phonetic Systems

Merriam-Webster historically employed a unique set of phonetic symbols within its dictionaries, designed to aid users across different American dialects in achieving standardized pronunciation. While Unicode now supports the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), Merriam-Webster's online services continue to utilize a simplified set of ASCII characters for broad accessibility.

Digital Phonetics

The transition to digital platforms necessitated adaptations in representing pronunciation. While Unicode versions 1.1 and later accommodate IPA symbols, the company's online resources often rely on ASCII-based phonetic respelling. This ensures compatibility and ease of access across various digital devices and platforms, balancing precision with practicality.

Crafting Entries

The Citation Method

Merriam-Webster meticulously constructs its dictionary entries through a rigorous process of collecting and documenting word usage. Editors meticulously scan print sources—ranging from books and newspapers to advertisements and product packaging—to record instances of word use in a comprehensive database of citations.

Archival and Digital Records

The company's citation file is an immense repository, containing over 16 million documented uses of words. Historically maintained on 3-by-5 index cards dating back to the late 19th century, this collection transitioned to an electronic database in 2009, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of linguistic evidence for ongoing lexicographical work.

Authority Control

Standardized Identifiers

Merriam-Webster's extensive influence and established presence are recognized through various international and national authority control databases. These identifiers ensure consistency and facilitate research across different academic and archival systems.

International Registries

ISNI: 0000000404658221
VIAF: 153186094
GND: 5226259-5

National Registries

United States (Library of Congress): n82135290
France (BnF): cb11877253z
BnF data
Czech Republic: Multiple identifiers (ica=ko2002149718, ica=ko2002149717, ica=ko2003167864)
Israel: 987007265201105171

Academic Databases

CiNii: DA00235751
IdRef: 026544776
Yale LUX: b3efc10a-f654-4be0-ba4f-03de673492d5

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Merriam-Webster Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Lexicographical data, especially regarding word usage and definitions, can evolve rapidly.

This is not professional linguistic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official Merriam-Webster resources or seeking advice from qualified linguists or lexicographers for specific language-related inquiries. Definitions and usage examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes based on the source material.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Merriam-Webster: Defining the American Voice

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About Merriam-Webster ℹ️

🇺🇸 An American Institution

📜 Lineage and Foundation

🏢 Corporate Evolution

A Chronicle of Words ⏳

🕰️ The 19th Century: Foundation and Expansion

⚙️ The 20th Century: Evolution and Controversy

🌐 The 21st Century: Digital Presence and Modern Engagement

Key Facts 📌

🏢 Corporate Structure

🗓️ Establishment

📍 Location & Output

🔗 Online Presence

Comprehensive Services 💻

📚 Digital Lexicon

📱 Mobile Accessibility

💡 Interactive Language Tools

Pronunciation Guides 🗣️

🔊 Phonetic Systems

💻 Digital Phonetics

Crafting Entries ✍️

🔍 The Citation Method

🗄️ Archival and Digital Records

Authority Control 🔗

🏛️ Standardized Identifiers

🌍 International Registries

🇺🇸 National Registries

🎓 Academic Databases

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Merriam-Webster

An American Institution

Lineage and Foundation

Corporate Evolution

A Chronicle of Words

The 19th Century: Foundation and Expansion

The 20th Century: Evolution and Controversy

The 21st Century: Digital Presence and Modern Engagement

Key Facts

Corporate Structure

Establishment

Location & Output

Online Presence

Comprehensive Services

Digital Lexicon

Mobile Accessibility

Interactive Language Tools

Pronunciation Guides

Phonetic Systems

Digital Phonetics

Crafting Entries

The Citation Method

Archival and Digital Records

Authority Control

Standardized Identifiers

International Registries

National Registries

Academic Databases

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice