Oxford University Press has released the 2025 Word of the Year shortlist, marking the start of the public voting phase that will determine the final winning term. The selection highlights the evolving ways people use language to describe global culture, technology and everyday life. Voting remains open until November 27, giving the public a direct role in shaping one of the year’s most recognised linguistic milestones.

This annual tradition explores how words capture the spirit, concerns and conversations of the year. Oxford’s shortlist often reflects social trends, new digital habits, political shifts and generational expressions. The 2025 list continues that pattern, offering a mix of contemporary phrases and cultural markers that gained popularity across the world.

📚 How the Shortlist Was Created

Oxford University Press compiles the shortlist after analysing:

• Widespread usage across media, social platforms and academic contexts
• Emerging cultural trends and global discussions
• Linguistic relevance and longevity
• Public engagement with new or rapidly evolving expressions

The result is a shortlist that demonstrates how language grows alongside technological change, global events and cultural shifts. Oxford’s linguists study vast data sets to identify terms that stand out in frequency, relevance and impact.

🌍 Why the Word of the Year Matters

The Word of the Year is more than a trending phrase. It is a reflection of collective experience. Each year, the chosen word captures a snapshot of the global mindset — whether it’s shaped by digital innovation, social change, or the way communities describe modern challenges and achievements.

Oxford’s annual selection is also used by educators, researchers and writers who study how language evolves. Because of this, the choice becomes an important cultural reference point, marking how communication changes from year to year. The 2025 shortlist continues that tradition by showcasing expressions that resonated widely and gained genuine social presence.

🗳️ Public Voting Opens

One of the most engaging parts of the process is the public vote. Oxford invites people around the world to participate, giving them an opportunity to influence which word best represents 2025. Voting is open until November 27, and the final result will be announced soon after the poll closes.

This democratic approach encourages people from different age groups and backgrounds to take part in shaping the cultural narrative. The winning word often sparks further discussion and becomes part of linguistic studies, media debates and social-media conversations.

🔎 What Happens Next

After the voting period ends, Oxford University Press will analyse the results and announce the 2025 Word of the Year. Linguists will also release insights explaining why the chosen term stood out and how it reflects global communication trends.

The announcement will mark the conclusion of a process that combines data analysis, cultural observation and public participation — making the Word of the Year one of Oxford’s most anticipated annual releases.