Encyclopedia — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-dē-ə/ en·cy·clo·pe·dia

Meaning & Definition of Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia (noun)

  1. a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject

Encyclopedia (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a reference work that contains information about many different subjects or a lot of information about a particular subject

    "The school library's encyclopedia occupied much of the bookshelf."

    "an encyclopedia of literature"

    similar: catalog, cyclopedia, dictionary, book, tome, volume, hardback, hardcover, paper, paperback, paperbound, pocket book, pocket edition, softback, softcover, trade book, trade edition, folio, quarto, guidebook, handbook, how-to, manual, monograph, primer, text, textbook, tract, treatise, novel, novelette, pulp, album, almanac, anthology, casebook, chapbook, omnibus, picture book

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Encyclopedia

The most common words with a similar meaning to Encyclopedia:

catalog, cyclopedia, dictionary, book, tome, volume, hardback, hardcover, paper, paperback, paperbound, pocket book, pocket edition, softback, softcover, trade book, trade edition, folio, quarto, guidebook, handbook, how-to, manual, monograph, primer, text, textbook, tract, treatise, novel, novelette, pulp, album, almanac, anthology, casebook, chapbook, omnibus, picture book

Origin & Etymology of Encyclopedia

Medieval Latin encyclopaedia course of general education, from Greek enkyklios + paideia education, child rearing, from paid-, pais child few

First known use: 1644

Frequently Asked Questions about Encyclopedia

What does "Encyclopedia" mean?

"Encyclopedia" means a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject. As a noun, it is defined as: a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject.

What is another word for "Encyclopedia"?

Other words for "Encyclopedia" include catalog, cyclopedia, dictionary, book, tome, volume, hardback and hardcover. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Encyclopedia" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Encyclopedia"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Encyclopedia". Common alternatives include catalog, cyclopedia, dictionary, book, tome, volume, hardback, hardcover, paper and paperback.

How do you use "Encyclopedia" in a sentence?

Examples of "Encyclopedia" in a sentence: "The school library's encyclopedia occupied much of the bookshelf."; "an encyclopedia of literature".

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

"Encyclopedia" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Encyclopedia"?

"Encyclopedia" is pronounced /in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-dē-ə/ and divided into syllables as en·cy·clo·pe·dia.

What is the origin of the word "Encyclopedia"?

"Encyclopedia" comes from Medieval Latin encyclopaedia course of general education, from Greek enkyklios + paideia education, child rearing, from paid-, pais child few. First known use: 1644.

What is another word for "Encyclopedia" meaning "a reference work that contains information about many different subjects or a lot of information about a particular subject"?

When "Encyclopedia" (noun) means a reference work that contains information about many different subjects or a lot of information about a particular subject, synonyms include catalog, cyclopedia, dictionary, book, tome and volume.