CHARLOTTE -- Noah Webster first added it to the English dictionary in 1841. Fast-forward 176 years, "feminism" is coined Merriam-Webster's word of the year.

"The theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes, and organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests," defined Editor-at-Large Peter Sokolowski.

According to Sokolowski, feminism is considered their website's top look-up. It saw a 70 percent increase compared to 2016.

"[It] had a really negative connotation before, radical women burning bras," said Charlotte resident Amber Brinnier. "It's good that people are curious, and actually trying to educate themselves finally."

The online and print publisher reported they saw spikes in its search several times in 2017. Most notably, surrounding January's Women's March on Washington and subsequent events that sprung up across the U.S. and the world.

"This time in history, we live in the age of equality so it's wonderful," said fellow resident Caryn Bedford. "Especially in today's political climate, we need to raise awareness. We are women, we are here, we are equal."

Another boost in lookups came later in the year, when numerous women in Hollywood and beyond shared their accounts of sexual harassment, sparking the "Me Too" movement.

Those we spoke with said it's yet another form of validation.

"Giving a voice and there's power in numbers,' added Robert Roffman of Huntersville. "Whatever gender you are, to have validation for what you may be thinking is a very powerful moment to have."

With feminism's boom on their website, plus its connection to powerful news stories, Sokolowski and Merriam-Webster said we can learn something about ourselves "through the prism of vocabulary."

Said Sokolowski, "There is an ongoing national conversation, and Merriam-Webster has a front row seat."

A conversation that may spark next year's big word search.