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
Live
Border czar Homan says feds will withdraw 700 law enforcement personnel
Since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News there have been "conversations" with the federal government
No suspect identified in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom
The disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, is being investigated as a crime.
Exclusive
Anti-fraud task force targeting Calif., more states to be led by Vance: sources
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order putting JD Vance and Andrew Ferguson in charge of the group.
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage
The storied newspaper, owned by Jeff Bezos, will eliminate its sports department and reduce its coverage of foreign news.
Athletes to watch from Team USA at the Winter Olympics
American athletes are preparing for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. These are some of the top Team USA competitors to watch.
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill almost 20 in one morning
Gaza medical officials say Israeli strikes killed at least 19 people, including two infants, with one hospital director asking, "Where is the ceasefire?"
U.S.
More U.S.
Democrats lay out demands for DHS funding, urging GOP to "get serious"
Democratic leaders outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week.
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
No suspect identified in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom
The disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, is being investigated as a crime.
Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage
The storied newspaper, owned by Jeff Bezos, will eliminate its sports department and reduce its coverage of foreign news.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage
The storied newspaper, owned by Jeff Bezos, will eliminate its sports department and reduce its coverage of foreign news.
China banning hidden car door handles starting in 2027 due to safety concerns
China will ban hidden door handles on cars, commonly used on Tesla's electric vehicles and many other EV models, starting next year, due to safety concerns.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
SBA shuts out non-U.S. citizens from its main lending program
Starting March 1, the SBA will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals, including green card holders.
Politics
More Politics
Democrats lay out demands for DHS funding, urging GOP to "get serious"
Democratic leaders outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week.
Exclusive
Anti-fraud task force targeting Calif., more states to be led by Vance: sources
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order putting JD Vance and Andrew Ferguson in charge of the group.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn running for Congress
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn — who emerged as a national figure after the Jan. 6 riot — announced a second bid for Congress on Wednesday.
Feds releasing 4th-grader who's from same suburb as Liam Ramos, officials say
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
World
More World
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
Cold and doubt in Ukraine as 2nd round of talks with Russia kick off
U.S., Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are back around a table for a second round of technical talks, but in Kyiv, Russian bombs bring suffering and skepticism.
Ex-Prince Andrew moves out of royal home amid new Epstein revelations
King Charles' disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moves from his royal mansion to a private estate after appearing in newly released Epstein files.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
As Trump disparages NATO allies, they chase Russian subs in the Arctic
As Trump questions the loyalty of a NATO ally, CBS News joins one of its warships taking part in a drill far from home, aimed at defending Europe and the U.S.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Ron Funches opens up about autism diagnosis
Actor and comedian Ron Funches talks to "CBS Mornings" about appearing on the reality show "The Traitors," how it led to his autism diagnosis and opening up to others about it.
2026 Super Bowl ads to look out for
Super Bowl advertisements are already making waves as companies seek a big win during the NFL's final football game of the season. Jeanine Poggi, the editor-in-chief at Ad Age, joins CBS News with more.
Susan Lucci on life after soap opera stardome
For decades, Susan Lucci starred in "All My Children." She speaks to "CBS Mornings" about her second memoir, which dives into her life after the soap opera series, the death of her husband and the resilience she found along the way.
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Miranda Lambert sells entire music catalog
Country star Miranda Lambert's entire catalog now belongs to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group. Jem Aswad, executive editor for music at Variety, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Technology
More Technology
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
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.
Tech executive breaks down AI agents
Scott Hanselman, vice president of developer community at Microsoft, joins CBS News to explain the difference between an LLM like ChatGPT and an AI agent. He also explains how AI agents could become assertive if given too much access.
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Science
More Science
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.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
Nancy Guthrie investigation ramps up
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has ramped up. This comes as an apparent ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news station on Monday, the Pima County sheriff confirmed. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports.
Ex-Prince Andrew moves out of royal home amid new Epstein revelations
King Charles' disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moves from his royal mansion to a private estate after appearing in newly released Epstein files.
No suspect identified in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom
The disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, is being investigated as a crime.
Latest on Guthrie disappearance investigation
An apparent ransom note that may have been sent to several news outlets is the latest clue in the investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Fulton County requests seized documents
Fulton County officials are demanding the return of all 2020 election documents seized by the FBI last week. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Where things stand for DHS funding
President Trump signed a House-approved funding bill on Tuesday to officially end the four-day partial government shutdown that began over the weekend. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has the latest.
Homan announces Minnesota personnel removal
Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that 700 personnel would be immediately removed from Minnesota. CBS News' Omar Villafranca has more.
Nancy Guthrie investigation ramps up
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has ramped up. This comes as an apparent ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news station on Monday, the Pima County sheriff confirmed. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez reports.
Ukrainians remain defiant during Russia war
Ukrainians are reeling from a frigid winter but remain defiant as Russia continues to target infrastructure. CBS News' Aidan Stretch has more.