The Most Popular Dictionary, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the dictionary you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:35
In the world of language learning and literature, having a reliable dictionary can be likened to possessing a trusted guide through the twists and turns of vocabulary and grammar. Over time, different dictionaries have served scholars, students, and casual readers by clarifying definitions and offering insights into the usage of words. Each dictionary often has its own unique qualities, making it favored for certain aspects over others, thus generating varied opinions on which is best.
This interactive ranking system allows users to engage directly by voting for the dictionary they find most useful and effective. By participating in the voting, users not only contribute their views but also help shape a community-driven list that reflects real-world preferences and experiences with these essential resources. The result is not just a list but a collective evaluation, aiding newcomers in making an informed choice on which dictionary might serve their needs best.
What Is the Most Popular Dictionary?
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159votesThe OED is considered the most comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. It is widely used by scholars, writers, and language enthusiasts.The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive English language dictionary that provides detailed definitions, word origins, and usage quotations from historical sources.
- Content: It contains over 600,000 words with their meanings, etymologies, and historical context.
- Definitions: It provides comprehensive and authoritative definitions of English words.
- Etymology: It offers detailed information on the historical origins and development of words.
- Quotations: It includes example quotations from a wide range of English literature, showcasing word usage over time.
- Historical Coverage: It covers the English language from the earliest written records to the present day.
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229votes
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-WebsterThe Merriam-Webster Dictionary is one of the most popular dictionaries in the United States, known for its clear and concise definitions. It is also available online and as an app.The Merriam-Webster Dictionary is one of the most popular and widely used dictionaries in the English language. It is a comprehensive reference tool that provides definitions, pronunciations, and various other details about words in English.- Publication Date: First published in 1828
- Size: Over 225,000 entries
- Word Origins: Includes etymologies of words
- Slang and Informal Usage: Covers informal vocabulary and slang terms
- Pronunciations: Provides pronunciation guides for words
Merriam-Webster Dictionary in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable encyclopedia
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316votes
Collins English Dictionary
Collins PublishersThe Collins English Dictionary is widely used in the UK and known for its up-to-date definitions and usage notes. It also includes a thesaurus and translation tools.The Collins English Dictionary is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary that provides definitions, pronunciations, and usage examples for a wide range of English words and phrases. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and reputable dictionaries available.- Word Count: over 722,000 words
- Usage Examples: over 417,000 examples
- Pronunciations: over 86,000 audio pronunciations
- Etymologies: over 72,000 etymologies
- Synonyms: thousands of synonyms
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421votes
Cambridge Dictionary
Cambridge University PressThe Cambridge Dictionary is popular for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive coverage of British and American English. It also includes audio pronunciations.The Cambridge Dictionary is a widely popular dictionary that provides definitions, meanings, and examples of words and phrases in the English language. It offers comprehensive coverage of vocabulary from various fields, including everyday language, academic subjects, and technical terms. The dictionary is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to learners and native speakers alike.- Number of entries: over 300,000
- Number of definitions: over 500,000
- Languages supported: English
- Available formats: Print, Online (website and mobile apps)
- Search features: Word search, autocomplete, advanced search
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511votes
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Pearson Education LimitedThe Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English is widely used by students and teachers of English as a second language. It includes a wide range of examples and usage notes.The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English is a widely recognized and popular dictionary that is widely used by English language learners and speakers around the world. It provides comprehensive coverage of contemporary English, including vocabulary, grammar, and usage.- Publication Date: 1978
- Latest Edition: 6th
- Number of Words: 230,000 words, phrases, and meanings
- Phonetic Transcriptions: Yes
- Collocations: Included
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616votesThe American Heritage Dictionary is known for its usage notes and etymologies. It also includes a feature called "Word Histories," which explores the origins of words.The American Heritage Dictionary is a comprehensive and widely respected dictionary that provides authoritative definitions and explanations of words and language usage. It is known for its detailed etymology, extensive usage notes, and thorough definitions.
- Year of First Publication: 1969
- Number of Entries: approximately 200,000
- Usage Notes: Extensive usage notes provide guidance on correct and appropriate word usage.
- Etymology: Detailed and informative etymology sections trace word origins and historical development.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Entries include lists of synonyms and antonyms to enhance vocabulary.
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76votes
Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
Random House, Inc.The Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary is known for its comprehensive coverage of the English language, including technical and scientific terms. It also includes a pronunciation guide.Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary is a comprehensive standalone reference work for the English language. It provides a wide range of definitions, meanings, and usages of words, along with comprehensive etymologies, pronunciation guides, and illustrative examples.- Number of entries: over 315,000
- Number of synonyms: over 150,000
- Number of usage examples: over 10,000
- Languages covered: English
- Publication year: 1993 (latest edition)
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86votes
Macmillan Dictionary
Macmillan Publishers LimitedThe Macmillan Dictionary is known for its focus on current trends in the English language, including slang and informal language. It also includes a thesaurus and pronunciation guide.Macmillan Dictionary is a comprehensive online dictionary that provides definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples for words in the English language. It aims to offer clear and accurate definitions, as well as practical information on how words are used in everyday conversations and various contexts. The dictionary is regularly updated to reflect changes in language usage and new words.- Word Coverage: Over 100,000 words and phrases
- Synonyms: Provides extensive synonym information for each word
- Antonyms: Includes antonyms to enhance understanding of word meanings
- Collocations: Offers information on common word combinations and phrases
- Usage Examples: Provides examples to illustrate word usage in context
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98votesDictionary.com is a popular online dictionary known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive coverage of the English language. It also includes a thesaurus and translation tools.Dictionary.com is an online dictionary and reference resource that provides definitions, synonyms, antonyms, translations, and other information about words. It acts as a comprehensive language reference tool for users seeking to enhance their vocabulary and understanding of languages.
- Extensive Word Database: Contains a vast collection of words, including specialized terms and slang.
- Definitions: Provides detailed explanations and definitions for words, including word origin and historical usage information.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Offers synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for each word.
- Translations: Provides translations of words from English to multiple other languages and vice versa.
- Audio Pronunciation: Includes audio pronunciations for many words to assist with correct pronunciation.
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1010votes
The Free Dictionary
Farlex, Inc.The Free Dictionary is a popular online dictionary known for its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive coverage of the English language. It also includes a thesaurus, acronyms, and idioms.The Free Dictionary is an online dictionary that provides definitions, translations, and synonym/antonym features for a wide range of words and phrases. It also offers audio pronunciation, example sentences, grammar tips, and a variety of reference materials.- Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Romanian, Turkish, Greek, and more.
- Word Database: Over 4 million entries.
- Definitions: Provides multiple definitions for each word, along with detailed explanations and usage notes.
- Synonyms/Antonyms: Lists synonyms and antonyms for words, helping users expand their vocabulary.
- Translations: Offers translations between English and various other languages.
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Ranking factors for popular dictionary
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Number of usersThe number of people who regularly use the dictionary can be an indicator of its popularity. A dictionary with a large user base is generally more popular.
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Coverage and depth of vocabularyA more comprehensive dictionary that includes a wide range of words, phrases, idioms, and technical terms is generally preferred by users over a limited dictionary.
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Accuracy and reliabilityThe quality of the definitions and explanations provided by the dictionary is crucial. A popular dictionary should be known for its accurate and reliable content.
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Accessibility and ease of useA popular dictionary should be easily accessible, whether it's in print, online, or in a mobile app. The user interface should be simple, intuitive, and user-friendly.
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Frequency of updatesA popular dictionary should be regularly updated to include the latest words and changing meanings, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of language.
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CredibilityA dictionary produced by a well-established and respected publishing company or institution is generally more popular due to its credibility and reputation.
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Features and toolsAdditional features such as pronunciation guides, example sentences, synonyms, antonyms, and linguistic information can make a dictionary more useful and popular among users.
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Multilingual supportA dictionary that provides translations and meanings in multiple languages is more popular among users who speak and learn different languages.
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User ratings and reviewsThe ratings and feedback of users can serve as an indicator of the dictionary's quality and popularity.
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Awards and recognitionsA popular dictionary might have received awards or recognitions for its quality, innovation, or contribution to language and language education.
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Integration with other platformsA dictionary that can easily be integrated with other digital tools and platforms, such as eBooks, eLearning, or writing applications, is generally more popular among users.
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Presence in academic or professional institutionsA dictionary that is frequently cited, recommended, or used in academic or professional settings can be an indicator of its popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular dictionary. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or dictionary is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2622 views
- 172 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each dictionary once every 24 hours. The rank of each dictionary is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular dictionary
When it comes to looking up words or finding their meanings, many people turn to an online dictionary. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, according to recent statistics, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is currently the most widely used online dictionary. This is due, in part, to its user-friendly interface, extensive word database, and regular updates to reflect changes in language usage. Other popular dictionaries include Oxford English Dictionary, Dictionary.com, and Cambridge Dictionary, each with their own unique features and strengths. Whether you're a student, writer, or simply seeking to expand your vocabulary, the right dictionary can be a valuable resource in your quest for knowledge.
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