Merriam-Webster Adds 'Showrunner' to Dictionary 1 Day After the Emmys

Merriam-Webster adds 250 new words

Showrunners, you’ve finally made it. Into the dictionary, that is.

Merriam-Webster added 250 new words on Monday, including “showrunner,” a term commonly used in the entertainment industry for the lead writer-producer on a television series.

The noun (with verb potential) made it in the morning after the 69th annual Emmy Awards. Coincidence? Maybe, considering other new entries like “alt-right” and “froyo” had nothing to do with last night’s ceremony on CBS.

Also Read: 12 Times Merriam-Webster Dictionary's Twitter Trolled Trump Team - With English (Photos)

Also making the cut was a new internet-focused definition for “troll,” referring to one who stalks and insults over social media and on message boards.

Plus, we’ve now officially got “hive mind,” “word salad” and the new booze-y definition for “pregame.” Ah, 2017.

“Our job as lexicographers is to follow the development of language, defining the words people are likely to encounter,” Emily Brewster, associate editor at Merriam-Webster, said. “These new words have been added to the dictionary because they have established themselves in the English language, and are part of the current, active vocabulary of America.”

Emmys: Biggest Snubs and Surprises, From 'Stranger Things' to Ann Dowd (Photos)

"The Handmaid's Tale" won big at the 2017 Emmy Awards on Sunday, while "Stranger Things" was not so lucky.
Netlfix, Hulu, Getty Images
Surprise: Ann Dowd ("The Handmaid's Tale")

The outcome of the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama category dropped some jaws this year, given the fierce competition. Ann Dowd, also nominated in 2017 for her guest-actress role in "The Leftovers," was seen as a surprise pick over such prominent names as Chrissy Metz, Thandie Newton and Millie Bobby Brown.
Getty Images
Snub: "Stranger Things"

The Netflix hit came into the Emmys with 18 nominations and was seen as a possible contender for top drama series. But while it prevailed in five below-the-line categories, it was snubbed in all the major categories.
Netflix
Surprise: "Black Mirror: San Junipero"

There's no question that "Black Mirror" is having a moment, but it was certainly up against tough competition for Outstanding Television Movie, notably star-filled "The Wizard of Lies" and last year's winner, "Sherlock." This was one of two prizes in the night for "Black Mirror."
Netflix
Snub: "Feud: Bette and Joan"

The FX project's 18 nominations led the way for all limited series this year, but while it took home two trophies at last weekend's Creative Arts ceremony, the Ryan Murphy-created show lost all 10 of the categories it was up for on Sunday.
TheWrap
Surprise: Donald Glover ("Atlanta")

Donald Glover topped two-time winner Jeffrey Tambor ("Transparent") for his first Emmy, which takes the sting off "Atlanta" missing out on upsetting "Veep" for best comedy.
Getty Images
Snub: "Westworld"

The HBO series led the way with 22 nominations but lost in all of its categories on Sunday, making do with five Creative Arts wins.
HBO
Surprise: "The Handmaid's Tale"

Outstanding Drama Series was likely the most-debated category heading into the ceremony, without any clear frontrunner. But the fact that "The Handmaid's Maid" topped such popular shows as "Stranger Things" and "This Is Us" made for quite a memorable win.
Hulu