Embodiments of the present invention relate to performing entity recognition on a stream while providing ongoing training or supplementation of an entity dictionary. In one embodiment, a method of and computer program product for stream based named entity recognition is provided. A first portion of a textual input is received. A plurality of patterns is applied to the first portion to determine that a predetermined type is present in the first portion. Approval is requested of the presence of the predetermined type. An indication of approval or disapproval of the predetermined type is received. A dictionary is supplemented according to the indication. A second portion of the textual input is received. The plurality of patterns is applied to the second portion.