Monthly Speaker: Sarah Ogilvie on the unsung heroes who created the Oxford English Dictionary

Photo of Monthly Speaker, Prof Sarah Ogilvie
Event type: Monthly Speaker Meetings
Date: 26th February 2026
Time: 11:00am
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Upper Street

Please note: no recording is available for this talk.

The fact is that when we reach for our copy of the Oxford English Dictionary, few of us wonder about the creators of this world-famous icon.


Sarah Ogilvie, Professor of Language and Lexicography in the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics at the University of Oxford, goes beyond wondering. After unearthing their fascinating history, Professor Sarah is keen to give these unsung heroes the recognition they deserve.


Food for thought the next time we consult the OED for help when doing a crossword or playing Scrabble.