Merriam-Webster dictionary adds new words every few months, and it just added the terms, 'plant-based' and 'oat milk'.
In order to find words to add to the dictionary, its editors keep an eye on social media, as well as more traditional media outlets, including websites and national newspapers.
A word will be considered if it is widely used, and its meaning is agreed upon by people using it.
Merriam-Webster’s inclusion of vegan and environmental-centric terms therefore suggests their growing cultural significance.
Dictionary definitions
According to Merriam-Webster, plant-based means: “made or derived from plants 2 : consisting primarily or entirely of food (such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, oils, and beans) derived from plants.”
Meanwhile, oat milk is defined as: “a liquid made from ground oats and water that is usually fortified (as with calcium and vitamins) and used as a milk substitute.”
