When it comes to authoritative English dictionaries, two names stand out prominently: Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Both are considered leading references for English language learners, scholars, writers, and editors around the world. While they serve similar purposes, they differ significantly in origin, scope, usage, and approach to defining and documenting words. Understanding these differences helps users choose the most appropriate dictionary for their needs, whether in academic, professional, or casual settings.
Historical Background
The Origin of Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, originally known as G & C Merriam Co., was established in 1831 after acquiring the rights to Noah Webster’s An American Dictionary of the English Language. Noah Webster is considered a pioneer in American lexicography, and his goal was to create a distinct form of American English, separate from British usage. In 1843, the company began publishing dictionaries under the name Merriam-Webster, which has since become a household name in the United States.
The History of the Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary, or OED, was first proposed in the mid-19th century by the Philological Society of London. Work on the dictionary officially began in 1857 and was completed decades later. The first full edition of the OED was published in 1928. Unlike Merriam-Webster, the OED was designed to be a comprehensive historical record of every word in the English language, tracing its origin, evolution, and usage over time.
Philosophy and Approach to Language
Merriam-Webster’s Descriptive Approach
Merriam-Webster adopts a descriptive rather than a prescriptive approach to language. This means the dictionary records how language is actually used rather than how it should be used. For instance, if a slang word becomes widely used and understood, Merriam-Webster is likely to include it in its dictionary, even if the word is informal or controversial.
The OED’s Historical and Academic Focus
The Oxford English Dictionary takes a more historical and etymological approach. It documents not only current meanings of words but also their earliest known uses and the changes in meaning and usage over centuries. The OED relies heavily on quotations from literature, newspapers, and scholarly works to show how words have evolved over time.
Scope and Content
Word Entries and Definitions
Merriam-Webster focuses on contemporary American English and includes common usage, slang, technical jargon, and regional variations found primarily in the United States. Definitions are concise, with clear usage notes and pronunciation guides.
The OED, on the other hand, includes British English as well as global varieties of the language. Its entries are more detailed, often containing the full etymology, historical spelling variants, and quotations from multiple time periods to illustrate word usage.
Quotations and Examples
While Merriam-Webster does offer example sentences, they tend to be modern and short. The OED provides a rich tapestry of quotations some dating back over a thousand years which makes it a valuable tool for researchers and literary scholars seeking historical context.
Digital Presence and Accessibility
Merriam-Webster Online
Merriam-Webster offers a free, user-friendly website and mobile app with access to its dictionary and thesaurus. It is widely used by students and general readers due to its accessibility and practical layout. Features include word of the day, quizzes, and videos that help explain confusing English terms.
OED Online
The Oxford English Dictionary is available online by subscription. Many academic institutions provide access to students and researchers. The OED Online offers advanced search functions, historical timelines, and a word of the day feature. It’s an academic tool geared more toward professionals, researchers, and those with a deep interest in the language’s development.
Audience and Usage
Who Uses Merriam-Webster?
Merriam-Webster is ideal for:
- Students in American schools and universities
- Everyday readers looking up definitions quickly
- Writers and editors working with American English
- People interested in current slang, trends, and usage
Who Uses the OED?
The Oxford English Dictionary is preferred by:
- Academics and language historians
- Writers seeking precise etymological data
- Linguists studying the evolution of English
- British institutions and libraries
Updates and Revisions
Keeping Merriam-Webster Current
Merriam-Webster regularly updates its database with new words, reflecting changes in society, culture, and technology. For example, terms related to social media, memes, and digital culture are added as they become widespread in American discourse.
OED’s Systematic Revisions
The OED undergoes periodic updates, which include revised entries with updated etymologies, new meanings, and new quotations. Its updates are less frequent but far more comprehensive, focusing on the depth of information rather than immediacy.
Cultural and Regional Influence
American vs. British Standards
Merriam-Webster represents the standard for American English spelling, pronunciation, and grammar. It uses spellings such as color instead of colour and theater instead of theatre. This makes it particularly relevant for users in the United States and Canada.
The OED aligns with British English standards and includes international English variations from countries like India, Australia, South Africa, and Ireland. It reflects a more global perspective, which is particularly useful for comparative language studies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Advantages of Merriam-Webster
- Free online access
- Concise and modern definitions
- Great for quick look-ups and casual use
- Frequent updates reflecting current language
Advantages of the OED
- In-depth historical research and context
- Comprehensive etymologies
- Valuable for literary and academic work
- Global perspective on English language
Drawbacks of Merriam-Webster
- Less historical detail
- Focused mainly on American English
- Limited etymological information
Drawbacks of the OED
- Subscription-based access
- Not as user-friendly for casual readers
- More time-consuming to use due to detail
Both Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary serve as essential tools for anyone looking to understand or use the English language effectively. While Merriam-Webster offers practicality, clarity, and easy access for American English, the OED provides depth, academic rigor, and a global perspective. The choice between Merriam-Webster vs OED depends on the user’s needs whether for quick reference or scholarly research. Each dictionary reflects not only different linguistic traditions but also different philosophies about how language should be documented and presented to the world.