James Murray (dictionary editor)

James Murray was a Scottish lexicographer best known for his role as the first editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Appointed in 1879, he worked tirelessly to compile and define the English language's vast vocabulary, drawing from a wide range of literature and contributions from various scholars. His approach was innovative, emphasizing comprehensive documentation of word origins and usage. Murray's dedication transformed the OED into a definitive reference for English words, and his work has had a lasting impact on linguistics and literature, helping to standardize the way we understand and use the English language today.