Merriam-Webster adds AI-related terms to dictionary

Merriam-Webster has officially recognized 1,400 new words, expanding the lexicon of the AI era.

The dictionary's editors typically add about 1,000 new entries annually. New terms are identified by monitoring current language use and ensuring widespread, meaningful application.

Among the new additions are "compute" (referring to computational resources), "vibe coding" (using AI to generate code), and "AGI" (artificial general intelligence). Notably, "uncanny valley," the psychological effect of unease evoked by nearly human-like entities, is now an official entry.

These technology-related additions mirror broader concerns and fears about the rapid advancement of AI. Worries about potential existential risks from AI have been voiced by prominent researchers and company leaders in the field.

The dictionary update reflects societal discourse and the impact of AI on language, highlighting the swift pace of technological progress and the emerging questions it poses.