Dictionary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈdik-shə-ˌner-ē/ dic·tio·nary

Meaning & Definition of Dictionary

Dictionary (noun)

  1. a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactic and idiomatic uses
  2. a reference book listing alphabetically terms or names important to a particular subject or activity along with discussion of their meanings and applications
  3. a reference book listing alphabetically the words of one language and showing their meanings or translations in another language

Dictionary (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a reference book giving information about the meanings, pronunciations, uses, and origins of words listed in alphabetical order

    "try to develop the habit of going to the dictionary whenever you encounter an unfamiliar word"

    similar: lexicon, wordbook

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dictionary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dictionary:

Word Forms of Dictionary

Inflections: dictionaries

Origin & Etymology of Dictionary

borrowed from Medieval Latin dictiōnārium, name for an alphabetized guide to the Vulgate, earlier dictiōnārius, name for a Latin textbook in which words are grouped by topic (apparently coined by its author, the 13th-century English-born university teacher John of Garland), from Latin dictiōn-, dictiō "speech, (in grammar) word, expression" + -ārius, -ārium -ary:1 diction

First known use: 1526

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dictionary

Frequently Asked Questions about Dictionary

What does "Dictionary" mean?

"Dictionary" means a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactic and idiomatic uses. As a noun, it is defined as: a reference source in print or electronic form containing words usually alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactic and idiomatic uses.

What is another word for "Dictionary"?

Other words for "Dictionary" include lexicon and wordbook. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dictionary" you intend.

How do you use "Dictionary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dictionary" in a sentence: "try to develop the habit of going to the dictionary whenever you encounter an unfamiliar word".

Is "Dictionary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dictionary" is a noun.

Is "Dictionary" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Dictionary" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Dictionary"?

"Dictionary" is pronounced /ˈdik-shə-ˌner-ē/ and divided into syllables as dic·tio·nary.

What is the origin of the word "Dictionary"?

"Dictionary" comes from borrowed from Medieval Latin dictiōnārium, name for an alphabetized guide to the Vulgate, earlier dictiōnārius, name for a Latin textbook in which words are grouped by topic (apparently coined by its author, the 13th-century English-born university teacher John of Garland), from Latin dictiōn-, dictiō "speech, (in grammar) word, expression" + -ārius, -ārium -ary:1 diction. First known use: 1526.

What is another word for "Dictionary" meaning "a reference book giving information about the meanings, pronunciations, uses, and origins of words listed in alphabetical order"?

When "Dictionary" (noun) means a reference book giving information about the meanings, pronunciations, uses, and origins of words listed in alphabetical order, synonyms include lexicon and wordbook.