In 2000, Oxford University Press launched the online version of the Oxford English Dictionary, making the full text of the dictionary available to subscribers over the internet. This marked a major shift in the accessibility of the dictionary, enabling users around the world to search and explore its contents with unprecedented ease. The online version has since become the primary means of access to the OED, receiving over two million visits per month by 2014.

The OED Online has transformed the way poets and writers engage with the English language, providing instant access to the historical depth of the dictionary. Its searchable format enables poets to explore the etymology and usage of words with ease, fostering a more nuanced and informed approach to poetic composition. The online platform has also democratized access to the OED, making its resources available to a global audience of writers and scholars.