Understanding Back-Formations: Established Expressions or Curious Coinages?
A post describing what back-formations are Read More
Posts related to dictionaries
How do I cite a dictionary entry in a non-Latin alphabet?
Style the headword in your works-cited-list entry as you would style a headword in the Latin alphabet: enclose the term, and an italic abbreviation indicating… Read More
If I use a dictionary to translate a source, do I need to cite the dictionary?
If you use a dictionary to help you translate a source, you do not need to cite the dictionary. Simply indicate that the translation is… Read More
How do I cite the dictionary feature of Microsoft Word?
When you right-click a word in Microsoft Word, a drop-down menu appears. In some versions you will see “Look Up.” In recent versions you might… Read More
How do I distinguish between different dictionary entries for the same term in my in-text citation?
To distinguish between different dictionary entries for the same term, follow the principle in our previous post on distinguishing between works with the same title:… Read More
How do I cite a dictionary definition that I find in Google search results?
Google search results are not a reliable source of dictionary definitions. When you need to cite a dictionary definition, use an established print or electronic dictionary. Read More
How do I cite a term in an online or print dictionary that lists several numbered definitions?
Follow the MLA format template and begin with the headword (as it appears) as the title of the source. Note that this may include parts… Read More
When citing a print dictionary in MLA style, do I include a page number?
Yes. Cite an entry in a print dictionary like a section of a larger work. Include the page number in the “Location” element of the… Read More
Dictionary 101
Beware the spelling checker! Here's what you need to know about using a dictionary . . . Read More