Merriam-Webster adds 'google' as a verb
07-07-2006
by Ciara O'Brien

Google has become such a large part of life and modern speech that it has officially been made a verb.

The word has made it into the latest edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, as a transitive verb with a lower case "g". The dictionary defines it as: "to use the Google search engine to obtain information (as a person) on the World Wide Web".

Other new technology-related additions to the dictionary include "spyware", "ringtone" and "mouse potato", a term used to describe someone who spends too much time sitting in front of their computer.

The phrase "to google" has slipped into general use over the past few years, with people "googling" things -- and each other -- to learn all they can. Grammar enthusiasts can now rejoice in using the phrase without compromising their standards.

The search giant, though, may not be as enthusiastic about the development as you might think. Google has already shown concern that its trademark could be at risk because it is becoming so successful. Specifically it fears that its trademark may slip into the general lexicon -- excluding it from legal protection. This inclusion could push that one step closer.

Google is believed to have highlighted this risk in its 2005 annual report, saying that it feared that its brand could become synonymous with the word "search". This would clear the way for other firms to use Google on their own products.

This is not the first time Google has appeared in a dictionary; the Oxford English Dictionary included the word in its June update to its online version. They have defined the verb as: "To use the Google search engine to find information on the internet. To search for information about (a person or thing) using the Google search engine." The OED chose to keep Google's upper case "G", which should keep the Google bosses happy for now.