Merriam: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:36, 30 December 2024

Merriam-Webster is an American company that publishes reference books and is especially known for its dictionaries. Founded in 1831 by George and Charles Merriam, the company has been a leading publisher of language-related reference works.

History[edit]

The company was established in Springfield, Massachusetts, where it remains headquartered today. In 1843, after the death of Noah Webster, the company bought the rights to Webster's dictionaries. Since then, Merriam-Webster has been a prominent name in the field of lexicography.

Products[edit]

Merriam-Webster is best known for its comprehensive English language dictionaries, which are widely used in education and publishing. The company also publishes thesauri, encyclopedias, and other reference works.

Online Presence[edit]

Merriam-Webster has embraced the digital age by offering its products online. The company's website provides free access to a variety of language resources, including the full text of its dictionaries and thesauri. It also offers mobile applications for easy access on the go.

Influence[edit]

Merriam-Webster's dictionaries are considered authoritative sources for American English and are frequently cited in academic and legal contexts. The company's commitment to updating its dictionaries to reflect changes in the language has helped it maintain its status as a trusted resource.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Merriam-Webster Online

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-{{Infobox Encyclopedia Article
-| title = Merriam
+{{Infobox dictionary
-| image = Merriam_logo.png
+| name = Merriam-Webster
-| caption = The logo of Merriam
+| logo = Merriam-Webster logo.png
-| language = English
+| type = Private
-| foundation_date = 1831
+| industry = Publishing
+| founded = 1831
 | founder = George and Charles Merriam
-| headquarters = Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
+| headquarters = Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
-| website = [http://www.merriam.com www.merriam.com]
+| products = Dictionaries, Thesauri
+| website = [https://www.merriam-webster.com/ merriam-webster.com]
 }}
-'''Merriam''' is a renowned publishing company that specializes in dictionaries and reference books. Founded in 1831 by brothers George and Charles Merriam, the company has become a leading authority in the field of lexicography.
+'''Merriam-Webster''' is an American company that publishes reference books and is especially known for its [[dictionaries]]. Founded in 1831 by [[George Merriam|George]] and [[Charles Merriam]], the company has been a leading publisher of language-related reference works.
 == History ==
-The Merriam brothers started their publishing venture in Springfield, Massachusetts. Their first major project was the publication of ''A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language'' in 1847. This dictionary gained popularity due to its innovative features, such as the inclusion of synonyms and usage examples.
+The company was established in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], where it remains headquartered today. In 1843, after the death of [[Noah Webster]], the company bought the rights to [[Webster's Dictionary|Webster's dictionaries]]. Since then, Merriam-Webster has been a prominent name in the field of lexicography.
-In 1848, the Merriam brothers acquired the rights to Noah Webster's ''An American Dictionary of the English Language''. They revised and expanded the dictionary, publishing it as ''Webster's Dictionary'' in 1849. This edition became widely recognized as the standard reference for American English.
-Over the years, Merriam has continued to release updated editions of ''Webster's Dictionary'', incorporating new words and reflecting changes in the English language. The company has also expanded its range of publications to include specialized dictionaries, thesauruses, and language reference books.
 == Products ==
-Merriam is best known for its flagship publication, ''Webster's Dictionary''. This comprehensive dictionary provides definitions, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage examples for a wide range of words. It is widely used by students, writers, and language enthusiasts.
+Merriam-Webster is best known for its comprehensive [[English language]] dictionaries, which are widely used in [[education]] and [[publishing]]. The company also publishes [[thesauri]], [[encyclopedias]], and other reference works.
-In addition to ''Webster's Dictionary'', Merriam offers various other dictionaries tailored to specific needs. These include ''Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary'', which is designed for college students and professionals, and ''Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary'', which provides simplified definitions for English language learners.
+=== Online Presence ===
+Merriam-Webster has embraced the digital age by offering its products online. The company's website provides free access to a variety of language resources, including the full text of its dictionaries and thesauri. It also offers mobile applications for easy access on the go.
-Merriam also publishes the ''Merriam-Webster Thesaurus'', a comprehensive reference for synonyms and antonyms. This resource helps writers and speakers find alternative words and expand their vocabulary.
+== Influence ==
+Merriam-Webster's dictionaries are considered authoritative sources for [[American English]] and are frequently cited in [[academic]] and [[legal]] contexts. The company's commitment to updating its dictionaries to reflect changes in the language has helped it maintain its status as a trusted resource.
-== Online Presence ==
+== See also ==
-Merriam has embraced the digital age and offers its dictionaries and reference materials online. The company's website provides free access to an extensive online dictionary, thesaurus, and other language resources. Users can search for words, explore definitions, and access language-related articles and quizzes.
+* [[Oxford English Dictionary]]
+* [[American Heritage Dictionary]]
+* [[Collins English Dictionary]]
-The online platform also includes additional features, such as audio pronunciations, word games, and a word of the day. Merriam's online presence has made its resources easily accessible to a global audience, further solidifying its position as a leading authority in lexicography.
+== References ==
+* [https://www.merriam-webster.com/ Official Merriam-Webster Website]
+* [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Merriam-Webster-Incorporated Encyclopaedia Britannica: Merriam-Webster]
-== Legacy ==
+== External links ==
-Merriam's contributions to the field of lexicography have had a lasting impact on the English language. The company's dictionaries have become synonymous with quality and accuracy, and their definitions are widely trusted by scholars, writers, and language professionals.
+* [https://www.merriam-webster.com/ Merriam-Webster Online]
-The name "Merriam" has become a household name, representing a reliable source of linguistic knowledge. The company's commitment to providing comprehensive and up-to-date language resources has made it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to understand and use the English language effectively.
-== References ==
-{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Publishing companies]]
+[[Category:Dictionaries]]
+[[Category:Publishing companies of the United States]]
+[[Category:Companies based in Springfield, Massachusetts]]
+[[Category:American companies established in 1831]]
 [[Category:Lexicography]]
-[[Category:Reference books]]
-[[Category:English language]]
-[[Category:Companies established in 1831]]