June 2014 update

This quarterly update marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War (1914-18) and OED’s editors have revisited and revised the dictionary’s coverage of some of the language and history associated with the war to end all wars. Chief Editor Michael Proffitt sets the update in historical context and discusses the naming of wars, while Senior Editor Kate Wild and Associate Editor Andrew Ball explore the impact and enduring historical legacy of World War I on the English language.
You can also explore our illustrated timeline highlighting 100 Words that Define the First World War.
See the full list of World War I revisions.

As always over 500 new words, phrases, and senses also enter the Oxford English Dictionary in this update. Additions this June include bezzie, flexitarian, hashtag, and selfie. You can read more about the new and revised words and meanings in this article by Katherine Martin, Head of US Dictionaries.

See a full list of the new words, subentries, and senses added in this update.

The OED publishes four updates a year. The next update will be added to the dictionary in September 2014.