James Augustus Henry Murray

James Augustus Henry Murray was a Scottish lexicographer best known for his role as the primary editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Born in 1837, he dedicated much of his life to compiling and defining English words, emphasizing their historical usage and evolution. Initiating the OED project in 1879, he gathered a team of volunteer contributors and spent years organizing the vast amount of information. His work transformed the study of language and created one of the most comprehensive dictionaries in the world, influencing how English is understood and taught globally. Murray passed away in 1915, leaving a lasting legacy.