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Sunday 22/02/2026

"Vibe Coding" Named Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary

AI-powered screen transforming spoken words into code
Himanshu KaushikHimanshu Kaushik

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • "Vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's word of the year for 2025, highlighting a shift in software development.
  • The term, coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy, describes creating apps using AI by describing them in natural language.
  • Other notable words on Collins' shortlist include "clanker", "biohacking", and "broligarchy", reflecting evolving tech and cultural trends.
  • The selection underscores the growing role of AI in making coding accessible to non-programmers.
  • Collins' annual list draws from a vast corpus of media sources to capture language trends and societal shifts.

In a nod to the evolving landscape of technology and language, "vibe coding" has been declared the word of the year for 2025 by Collins Dictionary. This term, which encapsulates a novel approach to software development, allows individuals to create applications by simply describing them to artificial intelligence, bypassing the traditional need for manual coding.

The concept of vibe coding was introduced by Andrej Karpathy, a co-founder of OpenAI, in February. It represents a significant shift in how software is developed, enabling users to "forget that the code even exists" and focus on the creative aspects of app creation. This method has opened the doors of programming to a broader audience, allowing those without coding expertise to develop basic applications through AI-driven software development.

Collins Dictionary's lexicographers selected vibe coding from a shortlist of words that reflect the mood and preoccupations of 2025. The list is compiled from the Collins Corpus, a comprehensive collection of media sources, including social media, which tracks language evolution. The selection of vibe coding highlights the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in coding and its impact on making technology more accessible.

Other words on the shortlist include "clanker", a term popularized by Star Wars to describe robots and AI, which gained traction on social media as a way to express frustration with AI technologies. "Biohacking", "broligarchy", and "aura farming" also made the list, each reflecting unique cultural and technological trends. The term "broligarchy" refers to the perceived influence of tech company owners, a topic that gained prominence following their attendance at Donald Trump's inauguration.

Alex Beecroft, Managing Director of Collins, remarked that the choice of vibe coding as the word of the year "perfectly captures how language is evolving alongside technology." This selection underscores a major shift in software development, where AI is increasingly making coding more accessible and integrating human creativity with machine intelligence.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The recognition of "vibe coding" as the word of the year signals a broader trend towards democratizing technology through AI. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is likely to further lower the barriers to entry in software development, enabling more individuals to participate in creating digital solutions. This could lead to a surge in innovative applications and platforms, driven by a diverse range of creators.

However, the rise of AI-driven programming also raises questions about the quality and reliability of code produced through such methods. As more people engage in vibe coding, ensuring the robustness and security of these applications will become increasingly important. Experts suggest that while AI can simplify the coding process, human oversight and expertise will remain crucial in maintaining high standards in software development.

Looking ahead, the integration of natural language programming into mainstream technology could reshape industries and redefine how we interact with machines. As language and technology continue to evolve in tandem, the potential for new and transformative applications is vast, promising a future where creativity and technology are more intertwined than ever before.