‘Maxxing’ Is Dictionary.com’s Word Of The Year For 2026

If you have been trying to improve your sleep, fitness or daily routine, the internet might have a word for what you are doing.

Dictionary.com has named “maxxing” its Word of the Year for 2026, putting the spotlight on a term associated with taking an activity or part of your life as far as possible.

One familiar example is “looksmaxxing”, which refers to efforts to improve physical appearance. But the expression has expanded well beyond beauty, becoming a flexible addition to words describing all sorts of interests and habits.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Magic (@magicmt917)

According to Dictionary.com, maxxing and its variations gained momentum towards the end of 2025, with searches increasing throughout 2026.

The term can describe a serious attempt at self-improvement, but it can also be used with a sense of humour. Spending an evening getting comfortable at home, for example, might become “cozymaxxing”.

Whether you are chasing a personal goal or simply giving your favourite routine a dramatic new name, there seems to be a version of maxxing for almost everything.