Merriam-Webster officially added a definition of NFT to it's dictionary earlier this week.  On the web version of their dictionary, they also note that the first known use of  the word NFT was in 2017.  It took roughly a decade for them to add a definition of cryptocurrency to their dictionary.  I suspect in the future new terms may be added even more rapidly, as crypto and it's corresponding lingo become increasingly part of the mainstream.

They've also posted a first-of-its-kind OpenSea auction for the NFT of their definition of NFT, with net proceeds going to charity.  The auction is scheduled to end Friday, May 14, 11:59pm ET, and the current bid is at 7 ETH with roughly 24 hours to go. 

Merriam-Webster’s Editor-at-Large Peter Sokolowski explained how they're able to mint a NFT of a word that they do not actually own.  In short, they own the intellectual property to the specific verbiage used in the definition that the minted NFT is comprised of.

"By auctioning the NFT of our definition of 'NFT,' we're offering people a fun way to own a little bit of Merriam-Webster's thought and meaning, and while the NFT itself may not be fungible, the knowledge we've created certainly is and we're excited to share it."

-- Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster's Editor-at-Large

"This project is about establishing NFTs as a medium with lasting value through the permanence of a record in the country's most-trusted dictionary.  We're excited that a brand like Merriam-Webster is using NFTs to engage with its audience in new ways."

-- Nate Chastain, Head of Product at OpenSea

Merriam-Webster's decision to mint a NFT of the definition of NFT is clever.  It's a nice blend of being educational, witty and a little bit silly.