Word of the Year 2024: The words that defined the year

Every year, leading dictionaries choose words that capture the defining trends of the past year. These "words of the year" include cultural shifts, shared challenges, and moments of triumph or reflection. (We wouldn’t be surprised if we saw some of these words become popular spelling word contenders, too.)

For 2024, the words of the year are a mix of humor and social commentary. From Oxford to Merriam-Webster, here's a rundown of 2024's most noteworthy words.

Oxford word of the year: Brain rot

Oxford University Press crowned “brain rot” their Word of the Year for 2024, a term that humorously describes the mental exhaustion caused by digital overload (like non-stop news cycles, endless entertainment content, and doomscrolling). It’s an ironic phrase, but it’s also relatable for anyone who's felt drained after hours on their smartphone or streaming the latest binge-worthy series. According to Oxford, “brain rot” skyrocketed in usage this past year, jumping 230% in frequency between 2023 and 2024. 

Be a financially smart family!

Be a financially smart family!

From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.

Try Greenlight today

Merriam-Webster word of the year: Polarization

Merriam-Webster selected “polarization” as its 2024 standout word. Defined as “division into two sharply distinct groups or opinions,” the term highlights global trends of growing cultural and political divides. Choosing “polarization” as a word of the year shows how people have thought of issues where opinions are not just split but fiercely opposed — whether in politics, social justice, or even everyday matters. The word also resonated because it was associated with record-breaking online searches, according to Merriam-Webster.

Cambridge Dictionary word of the year: Manifest

Cambridge Dictionary has selected “manifest” as its Word of the Year for 2024. The term, rooted in self-help philosophies, has gained major traction in recent years, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok. The idea of manifesting revolves around imagining and focusing on achieving specific goals, in the belief that doing so will increase the likelihood of turning them into reality. Whether it’s manifesting success, love, or happiness, this concept has captured the imagination of millions across the globe.

The word "manifest" soared on Cambridge Dictionary's site, with nearly 130,000 lookups in 2024. This interest wasn’t limited to inspirational hashtags or self-help discourse; “manifest” had an undeniable crossover into mainstream media. Celebrities like singer Dua Lipa, Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas, and England striker Ollie Watkins openly credited manifesting as a part of their success stories, amplifying the word’s prominence in cultural conversations.

Dictionary.com word of the year: Demure

Dictionary.com has announced "demure" as its 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting a shift in cultural and social conversations. Traditionally used to describe someone who is quiet, modest, or reserved, "demure" took on a new life in 2024, becoming a buzzword across social media and beyond. The word experienced an explosive 1,200% increase in digital usage, largely thanks to TikToker Jools Lebron’s viral phrase, “very demure, very mindful,” which sparked countless hashtags and videos.

Lebron’s playful reimagining of the term helped redefine "demure." Once only associated with reserved behavior, it now encompasses a notion of intentional refinement and composure, particularly in public or professional settings. This year, social media amplified that trend, with users showcasing "demure" moments in their everyday lives.

Collins Dictionary word of the year: Brat

Collins Dictionary chose "brat" as its Word of the Year for 2024, a nod to a term that has become a cultural phenomenon outside of its traditional meaning. Historically used to describe an ill-behaved child, in 2024, “brat” now describes someone with an unapologetically confident and independent attitude — a mindset that dominated cultural conversations this year.

The word's rise is credited largely to British pop star Charli XCX, whose album Brat defined the soundtrack of what became affectionately dubbed "brat summer." According to Collins, the album didn’t just achieve immense popularity; it embodied a lifestyle that resonated globally. Charli XCX herself described a brat as someone “a little messy,” “very honest, very blunt,” and not afraid to party through their ups and downs. 

What do these words say about 2024?

Together, these words form an interesting picture of where we are in the world right now. Words like “polarization” and “brain rot” reveal the weariness and challenges of navigating an overstimulated, often divided world; on the other hand, “manifest,” “demure,” and “brat” speak to how people are aiming to live their lives and achieve their goals. Taken together, they paint a cohesive cultural picture of the last year! 

Have more fun — and learn more money skills. Greenlight teaches money lessons in engaging, bite-sized challenges that make learning fun for kids. Try Greenlight now.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.