Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary 12th Edition May 2026
November 18, 2025
Released on , the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition
- Headwords: Tens of thousands of entries covering common and many less common words, including variant spellings and common idioms.
- Pronunciation: IPA‑style respelling or Merriam‑Webster’s pronunciation system for each headword, with stress marks and syllabification.
- Etymologies: Brief word‑history notes tracing roots (e.g., Old English, Latin, Greek, French), often concise compared with unabridged dictionaries.
- Part of speech labels: Clear grammatical categories (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.).
- Definitions: Multiple numbered senses arranged from most to least common; usage labels (archaic, dialect, informal, slang).
- Usage notes: Short essays or labels where contested or confusing usage exists (e.g., affect/effect, less/fewer). These are aimed at practical correctness rather than theoretical prescriptivism.
- Examples: Select illustrative quotations or example phrases showing typical usage.
- Variant forms and inflections: Plural, past tense forms, and common derivatives.
- Appendix material: Often brief lists or appendices for pronunciation symbols, foreign words and phrases, weights and measures, common abbreviations, and similar practical reference items.
- Illustrations/diagrams: Minimal or none — MWCD focuses on text rather than pictorial illustration.
- Amazon.com
- Barnes & Noble.com
- Books.com
- Merriam-Webster.com
Related search suggestions provided.
The 12th Edition is designed for students, professional writers, and language enthusiasts. You can find it in various formats: Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary 12th Edition merriam webster collegiate dictionary 12th edition
5,000 new words and phrases
The 12th Edition introduces more than , reflecting current trends in technology, social media, and pop culture. Notable additions include: Rizz : Slang for style, charm, or attractiveness. November 18, 2025 Released on , the Merriam-Webster