english dictionary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “english dictionary” mean?
A reference work, typically published as a book or online resource, that contains an alphabetical list of words of the English language, usually with definitions, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A reference work, typically published as a book or online resource, that contains an alphabetical list of words of the English language, usually with definitions, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage information.
Any comprehensive compilation of English vocabulary, including specialized lexicons (e.g., medical, legal), bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, or any systematic collection of English words and their explanations. The term can also refer to a list of words stored within software (e.g., spell-check dictionary).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling preferences ('Oxford English Dictionary' vs. 'Merriam-Webster's Dictionary') and which specific dictionary is considered standard differ regionally.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with the historical and authoritative Oxford English Dictionary (OED). US: Often associated with Merriam-Webster or Webster's dictionaries. In both regions, it connotes authority, reference, and learning.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “english dictionary” in a Sentence
consult [an English dictionary] for [a definition]look [a word] up in [an English dictionary][an English dictionary] lists/defines/contains [words]refer to [an English dictionary]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “english dictionary” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor spent years dictionary-ing the new technical terms.
American English
- She dictionaryed the slang term to document its evolution.
adverb
British English
- He spoke dictionaryly, with precise and formal word choices.
American English
- The term was defined dictionaryly, following the standard format.
adjective
British English
- He gave a rather dictionary definition of the concept, lacking nuance.
American English
- Her knowledge was dictionary-perfect, but she lacked practical experience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used directly, but implied in proofreading and clear communication standards.
Academic
Frequent in linguistics, language teaching, and as a standard research tool for defining terminology.
Everyday
Common in educational contexts, language learning, and resolving word meaning disputes.
Technical
Used in computational linguistics (e.g., 'dictionary data structure'), lexicography, and publishing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “english dictionary”
- Using 'English dictionary' to mean 'the vocabulary of the English language' (incorrect: 'My English dictionary is poor.' Correct: 'My English vocabulary is poor.'). Capitalisation: 'english Dictionary' is incorrect. Pluralisation: 'I have three English dictionarys' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A monolingual English dictionary defines words in English (e.g., Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary). A bilingual English dictionary translates words between English and another language (e.g., English-Russian dictionary).
Yes, 'Webster's' traditionally refers to dictionaries based on Noah Webster's work and is strongly associated with American English. The UK counterpart is often the 'Oxford' series.
No, that would be ambiguous. Typically, 'English-X dictionary' means English to X. A dictionary *about* English is just an 'English dictionary'. For clarity, one might say 'a dictionary of Old Norse written in English'.
Dictionaries have inclusion policies based on usage evidence. New words (neologisms), highly specialized jargon, or very informal slang may not yet be included, especially in smaller print editions. Large online dictionaries update more frequently.
A reference work, typically published as a book or online resource, that contains an alphabetical list of words of the English language, usually with definitions, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage information.
English dictionary is usually neutral to formal in register.
English dictionary: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ ˈdɪk.ʃən.ər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ ˈdɪk.ʃə.ner.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be a walking dictionary (knowing many words)”
- “To swear by the dictionary (to believe in strict definitions)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENGLISH words are DISSED? (No!) Check the DICTIONARY for the correct meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DICTIONARY IS A REPOSITORY/STOREROOM OF KNOWLEDGE. A DICTIONARY IS AN AUTHORITY/JUDGE ON LANGUAGE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an English dictionary?