Guralnik, David Bernard

▪ 2001

      American lexicographer and business executive (b. June 17, 1920, Cleveland, Ohio—d. May 19, 2000, Shaker Heights, Ohio), served as editor in chief (1948–85) of Webster's New World line of dictionaries and thus was in a position to consider just which new terms would be included in American English. Guralnik, who provided many of the new word definitions for the publications, was better known as the editor of the college edition of Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language; first published in 1953, this one-volume reference became a standard for writers and professionals as well as college students. He was also vice president (1980–86) of Simon & Schuster, Inc., which published the dictionaries, and from 1986 he served as editor in chief emeritus.

* * *