Dictionary Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Dictionary Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Dictionary Day is observed on October 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Dictionary Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you might want to know about Dictionary Day.

📅 What day is Dictionary Day 2024?

In 2024, Dictionary Day is on Monday, October 16th. It is the 3rd Monday in October; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about October 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Dictionary Day is celebrated on October 16 to honor Noah Webster, an American writer who was born in 1758. Webster is famous for his creation of the first dictionary in 1806, which he tirelessly improved over the course of 27 years. In 1828, he completed his dictionary, which was filled with crucial words and spelling corrections. Today, we pay tribute to him because he played a significant role in developing the reference book that we heavily depend on.

📜 Dictionary Day History

Initially, Noah Webster was driven to improve the American education system and language while teaching. In 1783, he published his first textbook, known as the “Blue-Backed Speller,” which focused on English grammar. This book quickly became incredibly popular in America.

Not content with just improving English instruction, Webster also sought to define the phrases that set American English apart from British English. In 1801, he began this endeavor after marrying Rebecca Greenleaf. Webster also played a role in establishing Amherst College before eventually returning to New Haven.

Webster’s influence on American English can be seen in the spelling differences between American and British English words. For example, he adjusted spellings like “color” in his first edition of the American English dictionary in 1806. He also re-spelled “musick” as “music.” Despite the success of his dictionary, which defined 37,000 terms, Webster was dissatisfied and spent the next 22 years revising and adding new words. At the age of 70, he released his revised dictionary in 1828, which defined over 65,000 terms.

After Webster’s death in 1843, G & C Merriam, Co. acquired the rights to his “An American Dictionary of the English Language.” The company’s founders, George and Charles Merriam, continued to improve Webster’s dictionary, leading to the creation of the Merriam-Webster dictionary that we use today. Webster is remembered as an American hero who not only pioneered the dictionary but also advocated for the abolition of slavery and universal education.

✅ Dictionary Day Facts

🔖 It cost $6
During the mid-1800s, the Merriam brothers made enhancements to Webster’s dictionaries and then marketed and sold them at a price of $6 each.

🔖 Webster created a newspaper
Noah Webster is often recognized as the person who established “American Minerva,” the inaugural daily newspaper in New York City. Over time, this publication transformed into what is now known as “The Commercial Advertiser.”

🔖 He learned 26 languages
Noah Webster dedicated himself to mastering 26 different languages in order to create his initial dictionary, which focused exclusively on the United States.

👍 Why Is Dictionary Day Important

Obviously, the dictionary is an excellent source of new terms. It has been used to define the English language and provide a standard rulebook for communication for centuries. You learn something new almost every time you open a new dictionary page!

If you are unfamiliar with the history of the dictionary, today is an excellent day to learn more. Noah Webster was a prolific author and textbook pioneer who made an indelible mark on the English language. This is the greatest day to remember him and learn about his life.

Noah Webster helped define and modify the spellings of ancient English terms that needed to be modified for the new era, in addition to introducing words to the standard English language. He actively trimmed and cultivated the modern English language!

🙂 How To Observe Dictionary Day

⚡ Post #NationalDictionaryDay

⚡ Play word games like Scrabble
Playing word-based games like Scrabble is a great way to show respect for the dictionary. It is amazing how you can score a whopping 77 points with a word like ‘whiz-bang’, but only if you rely on the dictionary for guidance.

⚡ Crack open a dictionary
Noah Webster deserves all the credit for creating such an incredibly important resource book. Share #NationalDictionaryDay on social media in his honor, and perhaps someone in your network will learn a new term.

📅 When is Dictionary Day?

View all 🔗 October holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Dictionary Day. So be sure to check back soon.