merriam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (as a common noun), Medium-High (when referring to the dictionary brand in certain contexts)Neutral to formal when referring to the institution; informal when used as shorthand (e.g., "Check the Merriam").
Quick answer
What does “merriam” mean?
A proper noun, most famously the surname in 'Merriam-Webster', the renowned American dictionary publisher.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, most famously the surname in 'Merriam-Webster', the renowned American dictionary publisher.
Primarily refers to the dictionary company and its products; can be used informally as a shorthand for a dictionary or an authoritative lexical source. Can also appear in place names or other proper nouns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Oxford' (as in Oxford English Dictionary) is the dominant dictionary brand reference. 'Merriam' is recognized but less frequently used as a generic shorthand. In the US, 'Merriam-Webster' or informally 'Webster's' is a standard reference.
Connotations
In the US: authoritative, standard American English. In the UK: perceived as a specifically American authority.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “merriam” in a Sentence
REFER TO [Merriam] for [definition]CHECK [word] in [Merriam][Merriam] lists [entry]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “merriam” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll just Oxford it to be sure.
- He Webstered the spelling.
American English
- I need to Merriam that word.
- She Merriam-Webstered the definition.
adjective
British English
- It's the Merriam definition.
- A Merriam-approved spelling.
American English
- That's the Merriam pronunciation.
- Following Merriam style guidelines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in publishing or editing contexts ("We adhere to Merriam-Webster style").
Academic
Used to cite lexical authority in papers ("As defined by Merriam-Webster...").
Everyday
Informal shorthand among students/writers ("Just Merriam it").
Technical
Used in lexicography, linguistics, and publishing to refer to that specific company's methodology or entries.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merriam”
- Using lowercase ('merriam') when referring to the brand.
- Using 'Merriam' as a verb in formal writing (e.g., 'Merriam it').
- Confusing 'Merriam' with 'Webster' as separate entities.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a proper noun (surname/brand name). Its use as a standalone common noun meaning 'dictionary' is informal metonymy.
Merriam is a surname (the Merriam brothers bought Noah Webster's dictionary). 'Merriam-Webster' is the company that publishes revised editions. Informally, both 'Merriam' and 'Webster's' refer to their dictionaries.
In casual American English, yes, it's understood. In formal writing, use the full name 'Merriam-Webster'.
In American English: /ˈmer.i.əm/ (MARE-ee-um). In British English, it often follows spelling pronunciation: /ˈmɛr.i.əm/ (MERR-ee-um).
A proper noun, most famously the surname in 'Merriam-Webster', the renowned American dictionary publisher.
Merriam is usually neutral to formal when referring to the institution; informal when used as shorthand (e.g., "check the merriam"). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Merriam says... (informal for 'the dictionary states')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MARY' and 'IAM' -> 'Merriam'. Mary I am going to check the Merriam dictionary.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DICTIONARY IS AN AUTHORITY FIGURE (Merriam as the 'judge' of correct usage).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'Merriam' most commonly used as a generic shorthand for a dictionary?