Prime Minister Julia Gillard's fiery speech about sexism and misogyny has even forced the word watchers to take note.

The Macquarie Dictionary has announced it is broadening the definition of the word "misogyny".

As it stands, the reference book says misogyny is a hatred of women, the kind that's pathological.

But editor Sue Butler says it's time that changed to reflect what Ms Gillard really meant last week when she accused Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of sexism and misogyny during a speech to parliament.