dictionary.com: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal in digital contexts; the brand name is a proper noun but can be used verbed in casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “dictionary.com” mean?
A popular commercial online dictionary and reference website providing definitions, pronunciations, translations, and word-related content.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular commercial online dictionary and reference website providing definitions, pronunciations, translations, and word-related content.
A digital brand and platform that has become synonymous with online lexical reference in American English, often used generically to refer to the act of looking up a word online (e.g., "I'll dictionary.com that").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The website is US-based and more culturally prevalent in American digital contexts. UK speakers are more likely to refer generically to 'an online dictionary' or use other brands (e.g., 'Oxford Dictionaries online').
Connotations
In the US, it is a default, well-known online reference. In the UK, it may be perceived as a specifically American resource, with potential connotations of being less authoritative than traditional UK publisher dictionaries.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English. The verbed use ('to dictionary.com something') is almost exclusively American casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “dictionary.com” in a Sentence
User VERB word PREP dictionary.comdictionary.com VERB that CLAUSELet me dictionary.com it (informal verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dictionary.com” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll just Google the definition.
- Let me search for it online.
American English
- Just dictionary.com it if you're unsure.
- He dictionary.com'd the word during the meeting.
adverb
American English
- He answered dictionary.com-style, with a precise definition.
adjective
British English
- A dictionary.com-style entry.
- An online dictionary definition.
American English
- That's a straight-up dictionary.com definition.
- She gave me a dictionary.com answer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech/content sectors discussing web properties or SEO. Example: 'Our site aims to be the dictionary.com for vintage car parts.'
Academic
Generally avoided in formal writing. May appear in citations for definitions sourced from the site.
Everyday
Common, especially in US English. Example: 'I'm not sure what that means—hang on, let me check dictionary.com.'
Technical
Used in computing/digital marketing contexts discussing web traffic, domain authority, or as an example of a reference site.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dictionary.com”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dictionary.com”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dictionary.com”
- Using lowercase ('dictionary.com') in formal writing where it should be capitalized as a proper noun.
- Overusing as a verb in formal contexts.
- Assuming it represents definitive British English usage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and primarily American. It's best avoided in formal writing but understood in casual digital communication.
It is a good general reference, but for serious academic work, specialized subject dictionaries or historical dictionaries like the OED are preferred.
Dictionary.com aggregates content from various sources, including Random House dictionaries, and has a strong focus on digital culture and trends. Merriam-Webster is based on its own established print dictionary and is often seen as more traditional.
Its primary focus is American English. While it offers British pronunciations, for reliable UK phonology, consult a resource like the Cambridge Dictionary or Oxford Learner's Dictionaries.
A popular commercial online dictionary and reference website providing definitions, pronunciations, translations, and word-related content.
Dictionary.com is usually neutral to informal in digital contexts; the brand name is a proper noun but can be used verbed in casual speech. in register.
Dictionary.com: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪk.ʃən.ər.iˈdɒt.kɒm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪk.ʃə.ner.iˈdɑːt.kɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the dictionary.com of something (figurative: the definitive source)”
- “to pull a dictionary.com (to quickly fact-check a word in conversation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DICTIONary.COM — where DICTION (words) meets .COM (the internet).
Conceptual Metaphor
A WELL OF KNOWLEDGE; A DIGITAL LIBRARIAN; THE GOOGLE FOR WORDS.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the verb 'to dictionary.com' most likely to be encountered?