Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Reading: The lexicographers read a vast amount of texts, from historical documents and literature to newspapers and online sources, to find new words, new meanings of existing words, and new uses of language.
* Research: They research the history of words, tracing their origins and evolution over time.
* Writing: They write definitions, etymologies, and examples of usage for each word.
* Review: The entries are reviewed by other lexicographers and experts in the field before they are published.
The OED is a constantly evolving resource, with new words and entries being added regularly. The team at Oxford University Press is constantly working to keep the dictionary up-to-date and comprehensive.