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backward index mystery
Words Matter

The True Story of the Backward Index

These people needed a computer

There it sits, hidden in plain view on a set of shelves in the basement of the Merriam-Webster offices: the Backward Index. But why would anyone type out 315,000 words spelled in reverse?

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The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

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How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?

play video how a word gets into the dicionary
How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

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

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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

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Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

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The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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13-Letter Word Quiz Thirteen words, thirteen letters each. It’s you...
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