This article from September 2020 discusses how Dictionary.com must adapt its entries for certain words due to the constant changes occurring in the English language.
The Guardian Australia - Dictionary.com revises definitions to eliminate prejudiced language
While these examples are probably too old now to include in your essays, it is worth considering:
a) how dictionaries can be an important tool in tracking language change
b) how dictionaries can be influenced by changing values and attitudes in society
c) to what extent we can view dictionaries as the authority on language, given that real-world language usage outpaces the ability of dictionary makers to reflect these changes in official definitions
Useful quotes from the article:
'The work of a dictionary is more than just adding new words. It’s an ongoing effort to ensure that how we define words reflects changes in language – and life... Among our many new entries are thousands of deeper, dictionary-wide revisions that touch us on our most personal levels: how we talk about ourselves and our identities, from race to sexual orientation to mental health. Our revisions are putting people, in all their rich humanity, first, and we’re extremely proud of that.'
- Senior editor of Dictionary.com, John Kelly
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