Merriam-Webster's dictionary names its 2025 word of the year
"Slop," which refers to creepy, zany and demonstrably fake content, has landed the title of Merriam-Webster's 2025 word of the year.
Merriam-Webster
How Merriam-Webster expands its dictionaries
For the first time in more than two decades, there's a new hard-copy update to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It adds more than 5,000 new words and phrases. Peter Sokolowski, editor-at-large at Merriam-Webster, joins "The Takeout" to unpack the changes.
Merriam-Webster dictionary update
Merriam-Webster announced a rare update to its dictionaries that will include more than 5,000 new words like "cold brew," "farm-to-table," "rizz" and "dad bod." CBS News' Errol Barnett reports.
Merriam-Webster's dictionary names its 2022 word of the year
"Oligarch," "codify," "queen consort" and "loamy" were among the top 10 words of the year.
Man pleads guilty to threatening Merriam-Webster with anti-LGBTQ violence
Jeremy David Hanson admitted to threatening various organizations, politicians and individuals.
Adorkable and MacGyver among new words added to Merriam-Webster
Many of the words are slang or used informally on social media.
Man charged with threatening Merriam Webster over gender definitions
The man could face prison time if convicted for what officials described as "despicable" and "hate-filled" messages.
Merriam-Webster picks its 2021 word of the year
The U.S. dictionary of record says lookups for the word increased 1,048% this year, and it's a word that "really represents two different stories."
How Merriam-Webster stays relevant
Merriam-Webster's dictionary has recently become known for calling out public figures when they use words incorrectly. The dictionary's editor-at-large, Peter Sokolowski, joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss their Twitter following and the criteria for adding new phrases like "throw shade" and "binge-watch."
Merriam-Webster dictonary words
From "binge-watching" to "photobombing," concepts that didn't even exist a few years ago are now getting official status. Anthony Mason looks at some of the new words that made the Merriam-Webster Dictionary this year.
Merriam-Webster to redefine "racism" after woman's plea
The revision comes against the backdrop of protests around the country against police brutality after the death of George Floyd,
Merriam-Webster unveils its 2019 word of the year
Merriam-Webster declares "they" as word of the year based on a 313% increase in look-ups on the company's search site.
640 new words added to Merriam-Webster dictionary
Millennial favorites stan and on-brand also made the cut
Swole & buzzy earn spot in the dictionary
The latest additions include mostly new words, or phrases, but also some old words with new meanings or applications. Take snowflake, for example; It's still a beautiful ice crystal that floats from the sky during winter, but it now also has a usually disparaging meaning of "someone who is overly sensitive," according to Merriam-Webster's definition.
"Justice" is Merriam-Webster's word of the year
Racial justice. Obstruction of justice. Social justice. The Justice Department. Merriam-Webster has chosen "justice" as its 2018 word of the year, driven by the churning news cycle over months and months.
Merriam-Webster picks "justice" as its 2018 word of the year
Famed dictionary maker says "justice" was huge search topic on its website and vital in many major news topics, such as obstruction of justice
Scrabble dictionary adds 300 new words, including "OK" and "ew"
Game lovers note: Twenty playable words are being added that begin with q and don't need a u
GOAT -- no, not that kind -- now in Merriam-Webster dictionary
It's among 840 words just added and stands for Greatest Of All Time; dictionary cites New England Patriots QB Tom Brady as example
Merriam-Webster names its 2017 word of the year
Searches for the winning word increased 70 percent over 2016 on Merriam-Webster's website, the editor says
More than 250 new words added to dictionary
Words include "troll" and "ransomware" as internet-related stories made headlines this year
Merriam-Webster names its word of the year
Dictionary company says searches for this word spiked during world tragedies and triumphs, and was of particular interest after the U.S. election
Merriam-Webster tweets a tease at Donald Trump
Famed dictionary takes to social media to add to the chorus of joking on some misspelled tweets from the GOP front-runner
Merriam-Webster announces its word of the year
Donald Trump, Laquean McDonald, ISIS, and "Mad Max: Fury Road" all had an impact on the dictionary company's final choice
Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds
The investigation found that the FBI looked into more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024.
Exclusive
Guthrie suspect's mask, clothing believed to be from Walmart, sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News the suspect's backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case, as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie.
Exclusive
Parents say Camp Mystic counselor "died a hero" trying to save girls from flood
In their first television interview, the parents of 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo are demanding changes from Camp Mystic, where their daughter died in last summer's devastating floods.
Malinin hints at "inevitable crash" amid Olympic pressure, online hate
Team USA star skater Ilia Malinin, after multiple falls at the Winter Games, speaks of a struggle to "stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
FBI refuse to share evidence in Alex Pretti killing, Minnesota investigators says
Minnesota's top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.
Israel's neighbors condemn "de facto beginning" of West Bank annexation
Israel has approved numerous measures on the occupied West Bank seen widely as part of an effort by Netanyahu's government to annex the Palestinian territory.
Homan says "I don't like the masks" on ICE, but they "have to protect themselves"
Democrats have demanded reforms to immigration enforcement, including barring officers from wearing masks.
U.S.
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Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
Exclusive
Parents say Camp Mystic counselor "died a hero" trying to save girls from flood
In their first television interview, the parents of 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo are demanding changes from Camp Mystic, where their daughter died in last summer's devastating floods.
What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
Exclusive
Guthrie suspect's mask, clothing believed to be from Walmart, sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News the suspect's backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case, as the search continues for Nancy Guthrie.
Sexual assaults on airplanes are on the rise, CBS News investigation finds
A CBS News investigation found the FBI investigated more than 170 cases of passengers assaulting other passengers on flights in 2024.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
January CPI report is the best inflation news in months. Here's why.
The inflation reading, the lowest since May 2025, shows grocery, gas and rent prices are cooling.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Politics
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U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
Obama: Odds are aliens are real but I saw no signs of contact while president
After setting social media abuzz by saying aliens were real, former President Barack Obama said he didn't see evidence that aliens "have made contact with us."
7 highlights from CBS News town hall with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
In a CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump — but also urged Democrats to change their perception as "the party of no and slow."
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 15, 2026
On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Tom Homan and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries join Ed O'Keefe.
Tillis says Trump advisers are "not taking care of this president's legacy"
Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not running for reelection in 2026, said he believed that Republicans could hold onto its majority in the Senate after the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform, TrumpRx, isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
World
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Malinin hints at "inevitable crash" amid Olympic pressure, online hate
Team USA star skater Ilia Malinin, after multiple falls at the Winter Games, speaks of a struggle to "stay sane through the endless insurmountable pressure."
U.S., Hungary sign civil nuclear deal as Trump deepens ties with Orbán
Many of Hungary's neighbors say Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is eroding democracy, but President Trump is forging closer relations with the Putin ally.
Police say kidnapped grandfather likely mistaken for crime network figure
Australian police say a Sydney grandfather was taken from his home by assailants who likely thought he was involved in a "criminal world."
Israel's neighbors condemn "de facto beginning" of West Bank annexation
Israel has approved numerous measures on the occupied West Bank seen widely as part of an effort by Netanyahu's government to annex the Palestinian territory.
Navalny's mom calls for justice as Russia rejects dart frog poison claim
Late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's mom says a European assessment that he was poisoned in prison "confirms what we knew from the very beginning."
Entertainment
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Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
The high-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show in which he interviews government leaders, he is raising eyebrows in Washington, too.
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
High-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author Stephen A. Smith is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show, in which he interviews government leaders, he is gaining notice in Washington, too. Smith talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about his journey and whether he might soon be on a debate stage.
Paul Anka: Still doing it his way
The singer-songwriter who's remained on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart for seven straight decades has just released his latest album, "Inspirations of Life and Love." A youthful 84, he talks about his artistic longevity.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including actor James Van Der Beek, star of the series "Dawson's Creek."
"Frankenstein," "Wuthering Heights" star Jacob Elordi
At 28, Australian actor Jacob Elordi has earned his first Academy Award nomination for his haunting portrayal of the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein." He talks about his love of acting, and why he has no relationship with social media.
Technology
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Technology
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
Science
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How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Crime
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Crime
FBI analyzing new leads in Guthrie case
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and purchase records at retail stores, including Walmart, where they believe the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case purchased clothing and a face mask, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Police say kidnapped grandfather likely mistaken for crime network figure
Australian police say a Sydney grandfather was taken from his home by assailants who likely thought he was involved in a "criminal world."
Tracking critical leads in Nancy Guthrie case
Investigators are following up on key leads in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as the search for the missing 84-year-old moves into its third week. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Trial of Colin Gray set to begin in Georgia
A first-of-its-kind trial is set to begin on Monday, as Colin Gray, the father of a Georgia high school shooting suspect faces nearly 30 charges in connection to the case, including two counts each of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Gray has pleaded not guilty to all charges. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Focus on mask, clothing in Nancy Guthrie case
Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie believe the clothing and face mask worn by the suspect were purchased at Walmart, sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News. Former NYPD detective Kirk Burkhalter joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the evidence gathered in the case so far.
Space
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Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
What inflation data signals for Fed rate path
Spencer Jakab, an investing columnist at The Wall Street Journal, shares some takeaways from the January CPI report, which tracks changes in prices of goods and services across the U.S.
Mental toll of Olympic pressure
Olympic athletes face enormous pressure as the world watches them compete in the Games. Dr. Jess Bartley, senior director of psychological services at Team USA, what makes this level of competition so intense. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Resignations in wake of Epstein files release
The Justice Department's recent release of millions of pages documents related to the Epstein files has led to a wave of resignations. CBS News' Jake Rosen has the latest.
FBI analyzing new leads in Guthrie case
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and purchase records at retail stores, including Walmart, where they believe the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie case purchased clothing and a face mask, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has the latest.
Honoring teen who died in Camp Mystic flood
In their first television interview, the parents of 19-year-old Katherine Ferruzzo say she died a hero trying to save children from the devastating flooding at Camp Mystic last summer. John and Andrea Ferruzzo have started a foundation to honor her. CBS News' Karen Hua has the story.