Added 9 October 2026
dictionary
/ˈdɪk.ʃə.nə.ɹi/ noun
In Latin: dictiōnārium, lexicon Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about dictionary at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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A reference work listing words or names from one or more languages, usually ordered alphabetically, explaining each term's meanings or senses, often also containing information on its etymology, pronunciation, usage, semantic relations, translations, as well as other relevant information. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
If you want to know the meaning of a word, look it up in the dictionary.
- A synchronic dictionary of a standardised language held to only contain words that are properly part of the language.
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A reference work on a particular subject or activity in which the entries are arranged alphabetically; an alphabetical encyclopedia.
a law dictionary
verb
Origin
From Middle English dixionare, a learned borrowing from Medieval Latin dictiōnārium, from Latin dictiōnārius, from dictiō (“a speaking”), from dictus, perfect past participle of dīcō (“to speak”) + -ārium (“room, place”). By surface analysis, diction + -ary.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)