In Summer 2025, Dictionary.com unveiled its largest-ever vocabulary update, adding 1,235 new words in a single release. This “Summer Word Drop” reflects the evolving landscape of language—from pop culture slang and workplace trends to borrowed terms and technological lexicon.

14 Among the New Additions: Definitions & Why They Matter – this writer’s take on the below words:

Here are 14 standout words from the drop, with why they were added and what they mean:

1. Superyacht – A yacht that is extremely large or extravagant. Captures modern opulence.
   Think Jeff Bezos, etc.
2. Ultrawide – Describes something wider than usual (often screens). Reflects tech evolution. Adding a second monitor? How about 5?
3. Coffee badging – Arriving at work mainly to show presence—then heading home to work remotely. Highlights hybrid-work dynamics. Personal favorite!
4. Kiss cam – The stadium feature that displays a couple meant to kiss. Popularized at events like concerts. This has gotten a few people in trouble with their spouses…
5. Okonomiyaki – A savory Japanese pancake with toppings like meat, seafood, cheese. Signals cultural exchange through food terms. Wonder if there’s a vegan version?
6. Furoshiki – A decorative Japanese cloth for wrapping or carrying items. Reflects cross-cultural influence. I definitely need to have one of these!
7. Maneki-neko – The beckoning cat figurine considered lucky in Japanese culture. Adds global cultural icons. Another personal fav for years and happy to see it in made the list; they’re so friggin’ cute.
8. Refoulement – A term commonly used in refugee law, meaning the forced return of refugees to a country where they face harm. Adds legal precision. Incredibly sad that this word is even in the list.
9. Superintelligence – Intelligence far beyond human-level. Important in discussions of AI ethics and technology. Wish Stephen Hawking was still alive…
10. Voxel – A three-dimensional pixel (volume element) used especially in computer graphics and imaging. Reflects modern tech jargon. Totally beyond me, but that’s no surprise.
11. Bothsidesism – Criticism of giving equal weight to opposing views even when one is less credible. Important in media discourse. Journalists impress me with this.
12. Geolocate – To identify the geographical location of something or someone. Reflects ubiquity of location-based services. Great for geocaching!
13. Congestion pricing – Charging drivers to enter crowded areas to reduce traffic. Rising relevance in urban policy and climate discussion. I’m so happy to work from home in a small community and had no idea this reference even existed!
14. Sanewash – (Likely a typographical rendering; possibly meaning a cleansing trend? Needs verification—part of the drop list.)

Why These Words Joined the Dictionary

These entries showcase how language adapts to:

• Technological advances (e.g., ultrawide, voxel, superintelligence)
• Workplace and social shifts (coffee badging, kiss cam)
• Cultural exchanges (okonomiyaki, furoshiki, maneki-neko)
• Societal concerns (congestion pricing, bothsidesism, refoulement)

In short, Dictionary.com’s 2025 update underscores how dynamic and responsive our lexicon needs to be in a changing world.