dictionary

A dictionary is a reference book or digital resource that lists words of a language, typically in alphabetical order, and provides information about them.

Part of Speech: noun

Pronunciation: dic·tio·nary [ˈdik-shə-ˌner-ē]

Plural: dictionaries

Definitions:

  1. a reference source in print or electronic form containing words, usually in alphabetical order, along with information about their meanings, pronunciations, and uses.
  2. a book or resource that gives facts or explanations about a specific subject or group of terms.

Synonyms: lexicon, wordbook, glossary, vocabulary

Antonyms: (none commonly used)

Example Sentences

She looked up the word gratitude in the dictionary to understand what it meant.

He carries a pocket dictionary when traveling abroad.

The online dictionary includes audio and sentence examples.

A legal dictionary helps explain difficult legal terms.

Students use a dictionary to improve their vocabulary and spelling.

Word Origin

From Latin dictio meaning “saying, expression” + -arium meaning “a place for.” First used in English in the 15th century.

Related Words

  • encyclopedia
  • glossary
  • index
  • reference book
  • thesaurus

Rhymes for dictionary

missionary

revolutionary

stationary

visionary

volitionary