Merriam-Webster, Inc., is an American company that publishes reference books and is especially known for its dictionaries.
In 1831, George and Charles Merriam founded the company as G & C Merriam Co. in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In 1964, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., bought Merriam-Webster, Inc., as a subsidiary. The company created its current name in 1982.