Merriam-Webster Auctioning NFT of ‘NFT’ Dictionary Definition

By Will Gottsegen

Merriam-Webster announced this morning that it’s added the initialism “NFT” to its dictionary.

Here’s the definition:

NFT 

abbreviation or noun

: NON-FUNGIBLE TOKEN : a unique digital identifier that cannot be copied, substituted, or subdivided, that is recorded in a blockchain, and that is used to certify authenticity and ownership (as of a specific digital asset and specific rights relating to it)

Pretty good! The kicker is that the publisher is also auctioning the definition itself as an NFT via OpenSea, one of the more popular online marketplaces for these blockchain-based digital collectibles.

"By auctioning the NFT of our definition of 'NFT,' we're offering people a fun way to own a little bit of Merriam-Webster's thought and meaning," said Merriam-Webster editor-at-large Peter Sokolowski in a statement.

Rather than opting for a boring old image file, Merriam-Webster went with a primitive, 90s-style animated GIF of the definition being magically added to the dictionary. The sale started this morning and will run until Friday at 11:59 PM EST. And as with most gimmicky NFT auctions, the proceeds are going to charity.

OpenSea, a startup, just raised $23 million in series A financing from the likes of Andreessen Horowitz and Mark Cuban.

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