Events on February 1 in history

The first volume (A to Ant) of the Oxford English Dictionary is published.

The Definitive Historical Record: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) stands as the world's most authoritative and comprehensive historical dictionary of the English language. Published by the esteemed Oxford University Press (OUP), its primary mission is to meticulously trace the evolution and usage of words from their earliest known appearances to their current forms. More than just a collection of definitions, the OED serves as an unparalleled linguistic archive, detailing the etymologies, pronunciations, and historical shifts in meaning for over 600,000 words. This makes it an indispensable resource for scholars, academic researchers, linguists, and anyone deeply interested in the rich tapestry of the English language and its myriad variations across the globe.

Its scope extends beyond core English vocabulary, encompassing terms from diverse fields, regional dialects, and international Englishes, reflecting the language's dynamic and global nature. The OED’s rigorous methodology, supported by vast collections of historical citations, provides unparalleled insight into how words have entered the language, changed their meanings over centuries, and are used in various contexts.

A Monumental Undertaking: The OED's Genesis and Evolution

The ambitious journey to create this monumental dictionary began in 1857, spearheaded by a resolution from The Philological Society of London. This group of scholars recognized the urgent need for a new English dictionary that would accurately capture the historical development of every word. The project, initially conceived as a comprehensive record of the language's historical principles, eventually grew far beyond original expectations in its scale and complexity. After years of meticulous planning and data collection by numerous volunteers, the first installment of the work commenced publication in 1884. This initial release appeared in unbound fascicles, essentially individual booklets or parts, allowing the ongoing work to be shared progressively with the public. It was then known by its formal, descriptive title: "A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles; Founded Mainly on the Materials Collected by The Philological Society."

A pivotal figure in its early development was James A. H. Murray, who became the first editor of the dictionary in 1879, dedicating the rest of his life to this colossal undertaking. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the dictionary's methodology and bringing it to fruition.

The more familiar name, "The Oxford English Dictionary," first appeared unofficially on the covers of the series in 1895. However, it wasn't until 1928 that the first complete edition of the dictionary, integrating all previously published fascicles, was compiled and republished in ten impressive bound volumes. The title "The Oxford English Dictionary" officially and permanently replaced the former lengthy name in 1933, when a reprinting was issued in twelve volumes, accompanied by a crucial one-volume supplement that introduced new words and updated existing entries.

Throughout the subsequent decades, further supplements were periodically released to keep pace with the ever-evolving English language, documenting new words and meanings. This continuous updating culminated in the publication of the second edition of the OED in 1989. This landmark edition was a truly colossal achievement, spanning an astonishing 21,728 pages across 20 formidable volumes, reflecting the immense growth and changes in the English lexicon since the first complete edition.

The Digital Transformation and Future of the OED

Recognizing the potential of emerging technologies, the Oxford English Dictionary embraced digital platforms early on. The very first electronic version of the dictionary was made available to the public in 1988, initially on CD-ROM. This marked a significant step towards greater accessibility and searchability for its vast content.

The subsequent launch of the online version in 2000 revolutionized access to the OED. This digital platform provides unparalleled ease of navigation, advanced search capabilities, and continuous updates, making the dictionary readily available to a global audience. Its popularity rapidly grew, with reported figures indicating over two million visits per month by April 2014, underscoring its role as a vital online language resource for professionals, students, and general enthusiasts worldwide.

Currently, an ambitious third edition of the dictionary has been under compilation since 2000. This immense project involves a complete overhaul and re-evaluation of every entry, incorporating new research, revising definitions, and adding many thousands of new words that have entered common usage. By 2018, approximately half of this monumental work had been completed, highlighting the rigorous and time-intensive nature of its compilation.

Significantly, the future of the Oxford English Dictionary is firmly rooted in the digital realm. The Chief Executive of Oxford University Press, Nigel Portwood, stated in 2010 that it is highly improbable the third edition will ever see print publication. This decision reflects the practical advantages of digital formats, including the ability for continuous updates, enhanced search functions, and reduced production costs, making the OED a truly living and evolving document of the English language.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the OED

What makes the Oxford English Dictionary a 'historical' dictionary?

The OED is considered a historical dictionary because it meticulously traces the origin, evolution, and usage of words over time. For each word, it provides chronological citations from various texts, demonstrating its first recorded use, changes in meaning, spelling, and pronunciation throughout history. This detailed historical perspective distinguishes it from prescriptive or purely contemporary dictionaries.

When was the first full edition of the OED published?

While work began in 1857 and fascicles (parts) were published starting in 1884, the first complete edition, compiling all previously released parts, was published in ten bound volumes in 1928. The official adoption of "The Oxford English Dictionary" title for all occurrences happened in 1933 with a reprinting.

Is the Oxford English Dictionary still being updated?

Yes, absolutely. The compilation of the third edition of the OED has been actively underway since 2000. This ongoing project involves a comprehensive revision of all existing entries and the addition of many new words and senses as the English language continues to evolve globally.

Will the third edition of the OED be available in print?

It is highly unlikely. Oxford University Press has indicated that the third edition will most probably appear exclusively in electronic form. This strategic shift allows for continuous updates, enhanced search functionalities, and wider accessibility, making a traditional print publication less practical for such a dynamic and vast resource.