English Dictionaries: The Ultimate Guide to All 80 Dictionaries for the English Language
If you’ve ever wondered how many dictionaries for the English language exist, you’re not alone. English dictionaries serve as an essential tool for understanding, mastering, and exploring the complexities of this global language. In this ultimate guide, we provide a comprehensive list of English dictionaries, spanning historical collections, specialized glossaries, and bilingual resources. Whether you’re a linguist, a student, or just a curious reader, this list will have something for you.
Explore even more about dictionaries at SmartBubbleGum.com, where you can find innovative insights and tools related to language learning.
Why English Dictionaries Matter
English is one of the most widely spoken and written languages in the world, with its roots stretching back centuries. Dictionaries not only document this linguistic evolution but also provide valuable resources for learners and experts alike. From authoritative sources like the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) to specialized works like the Cambridge Dictionary of Business English, the variety is astonishing.
The Comprehensive List of English Dictionaries
Below is a categorized list of 250 English dictionaries, organized to help you easily find the resource you need. Each category contains a range of dictionaries for different purposes.
1. Historical Dictionaries
- Oxford English Dictionary (OED) (Visit OED) – The definitive guide to the history and usage of English words.
- Webster’s 1828 Dictionary (Visit Webster’s 1828) – An early American dictionary reflecting historical usage.
- Johnson’s Dictionary (Visit Johnson’s Dictionary) – A landmark in English lexicography from 1755.
- Dictionary of Old English (Visit DOE) – A comprehensive resource for early English.
- Century Dictionary (Visit Century) – A major historical dictionary of American English.
- Cassell’s English Dictionary – A widely referenced historical dictionary of the 19th century.
- Etymological Dictionary of Modern English – Focuses on the origins of English words and phrases.
- Green’s Dictionary of Slang (Visit Green’s Dictionary) – A historical guide to English slang.
- Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases (Visit Hobson-Jobson) – A fascinating historical dictionary of Anglo-Indian terms.
- Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine Dictionary – A lesser-known resource from the Victorian era.
- A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles – The predecessor to the OED, spanning early English usage.
- Cambridge Historical Thesaurus – A resource for historical synonyms and linguistic evolution.
2. Modern General-Use Dictionaries
- Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Visit Merriam-Webster)
- Collins English Dictionary (Visit Collins)
- Cambridge English Dictionary (Visit Cambridge)
- American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Visit AHD)
- Macquarie Dictionary (Visit Macquarie)
- Random House Webster’s Dictionary – Offers detailed modern definitions.
- New Oxford American Dictionary – Focuses on American English.
- Penguin English Dictionary – A user-friendly and concise resource.
- Chambers 21st Century Dictionary (Visit Chambers) – A modern dictionary with British English focus.
- Wordsmyth Dictionary-Thesaurus (Visit Wordsmyth) – Combines definitions and synonyms in one.
- HarperCollins Dictionary – An expansive resource for modern English usage.
- Houghton Mifflin Dictionary – Known for its academic and comprehensive entries.
- Compact Oxford English Dictionary (Visit Compact Oxford) – Offers concise definitions for quick reference.
3. Learner’s Dictionaries
- Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Visit Oxford Learner’s)
- Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary (Visit Learner’s)
- Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (Visit Longman)
- Cambridge Essential English Dictionary (Visit Cambridge Essential)
- Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary – Designed for ESL learners.
- Word Power Made Easy Dictionary – Aimed at building vocabulary.
- Practical English Usage by Michael Swan – A combination of grammar and dictionary resources.
- VOA Learning English Dictionary (Visit VOA) – A tool for those learning American English.
- Heinle’s Newbury House Dictionary – A practical option for ESL students.
- BBC Learning English Dictionary (Visit BBC Learning English) – Useful for listening and reading practice.
- McGraw-Hill ESL Dictionary – Designed for academic learners of English.
- Pearson Education English Dictionary – A solid resource for students and teachers.
4. Bilingual Dictionaries
- Oxford English-Spanish Dictionary (Visit Oxford Bilingual)
- Larousse English-French Dictionary (Visit Larousse)
- Langenscheidt English-German Dictionary (Visit Langenscheidt)
- Collins English-Italian Dictionary (Visit Collins Italian)
- Cambridge English-Chinese Dictionary (Visit Cambridge Chinese)
- Harrap’s Shorter English-French Dictionary – A compact yet detailed bilingual option.
- Oxford English-Arabic Dictionary – A leading resource for English-Arabic translations.
- Perth’s English-Urdu Dictionary – Specialized for speakers of Urdu.
- Oxford English-Portuguese Dictionary – Designed for Brazilian and European Portuguese speakers.
- Longman English-Korean Dictionary – Tailored for learners of English in Korea.
- Yale English-Hebrew Dictionary – An essential resource for Hebrew-speaking students.
- McGraw-Hill English-Russian Dictionary – Practical for Russian learners of English.
5. Specialized Dictionaries
- Black’s Law Dictionary (Visit Black’s)
- Stedman’s Medical Dictionary (Visit Stedman’s)
- Dictionary of American Slang (Visit American Slang)
- Roget’s Thesaurus (Visit Roget’s)
- Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage (Visit Fowler)
- Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (Visit Oxford Literature)
- Cambridge Dictionary of Idioms – Covers English idiomatic expressions.
- Dictionary of Technical English – Focuses on engineering and technical terms.
- Slang Dictionary of the 21st Century – Modern slang usage.
- Historical Thesaurus of the OED (Visit Historical Thesaurus) – Covers synonyms and meanings from over 1,000 years.
- Barron’s Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms – A vital tool for financial terminology.
- Medical Eponyms Dictionary – Specialized for medical professionals.
- Oxford Food and Beverage Dictionary – A culinary-focused resource.
6. Online Dictionaries
- Dictionary.com (Visit Dictionary.com)
- Wiktionary (Visit Wiktionary)
- Urban Dictionary (Visit Urban Dictionary)
- YourDictionary (Visit YourDictionary)
- Wordnik (Visit Wordnik) – A collaborative online dictionary.
- The Free Dictionary (Visit The Free Dictionary)
- Glosbe (Visit Glosbe) – Multilingual with English as a key focus.
- Macmillan Dictionary Online (Visit Macmillan)
- LDOCE Online (Visit LDOCE) – Longman’s free online dictionary.
- Reverso Context Dictionary (Visit Reverso) – Focuses on context-based translations.
- Lexico.com (Visit Lexico) – A free online dictionary powered by Oxford.
- Cambridge Online Thesaurus – Offers synonyms and antonyms in context.
Index
Why English Dictionaries Matter
- Historical Dictionaries
- Modern General-Use Dictionaries
- Learner’s Dictionaries
- Bilingual Dictionaries
- Specialized Dictionaries
- Online Dictionaries
- How to Choose the Best English Dictionary for Your Needs
- Discover More About Learning and Language
How to Choose the Best English Dictionary for Your Needs
With so many English Dictionaries to choose from, it’s important to pick a dictionary that suits your purpose. Are you studying historical texts? Go for the OED. Looking for quick definitions? Try Dictionary.com or Merriam-Webster Online. Need help with academic or technical terms? Specialized dictionaries like Stedman’s or Black’s Law Dictionary are invaluable.
Discover More About Learning and Language
If you’re passionate about language learning and study tools, visit SmartBubbleGum.com for tips, resources, and innovative educational solutions. Our platform is dedicated to making learning both engaging and effective for kids and adults alike. In the section on dictionaries we have found a few apps that we found are the best. We include the English dictionaries apps that work best for learners.
- Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary
Conclusion: A World of Words at Your Fingertips
Dictionaries are more than just reference books; they are the keys to understanding! From historical treasures like the Oxford English Dictionary to modern digital tools like Dictionary.com, each entry on this comprehensive list offers a unique pathway to learning and discovery.
Whether you’re an avid reader, a student, a language learner, or a professional seeking specialized terminology, there is a dictionary tailored to your needs. Embrace the richness of the English language, expand your horizons, and let these dictionaries guide you on your linguistic journey.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore even more resources and educational tools at SmartBubbleGum.com. Your next word adventure awaits!
Note:
Many computers now have a built-in dictionary. You can (right) click on any word in the text and you will get a list of options. On a Mac or iPhone it is called Lookup and you will receive access to the built-in dictionary.
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