description Ben Zimmer Overview
Ben Zimmer is an American linguist, lexicographer, and writer whose work focuses on the history and use of English words. In 2006 he became editor for American dictionaries at Oxford University Press, where he coordinated dictionary and thesaurus material for the American market. He later worked as executive editor of the Visual Thesaurus and Vocabulary.com and has written language columns for publications including The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic. His work is intended for general readers and students of language.
help Ben Zimmer FAQ
What does Ben Zimmer write about?
He is a linguist, lexicographer, and writer focused on word history, usage, and how meanings change. His work often connects dictionary evidence with journalism and cultural history.
When did Ben Zimmer become editor for American dictionaries at Oxford University Press?
He took that role in 2006, coordinating American dictionary and thesaurus material for Oxford University Press. That is why his name appears in discussions of both professional lexicography and public language writing. [University of Chicago Magazine](https://magazine.uchicago.edu/1106/features/away-with-words.shtml)
What was From A to Zimmer?
It was a weekly word-history and language column on the Oxford University Press blog, launched in 2007. The title turned his surname into a reference to the A-to-Z range of dictionary work.
Is Ben Zimmer a dictionary editor or a newspaper writer?
He has done both. In addition to the Oxford dictionary role, he has written language columns for publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times Magazine.
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