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Words Matter

Webster's Dictionary of 1864

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.


The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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play video websters video of 1864
Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "The One-derful Won"

 

Comedian ISMO tries to figure out 'one' and 'two'

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Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

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How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.