How to Cite a Dictionary

Why Citing Dictionaries Matters

When you're writing an essay, research paper, or even a professional report, you often need to define terms or explore the historical usage of a word. Dictionaries are invaluable resources for this. However, simply using a definition isn't enough; you need to give credit to the source. Proper citation acknowledges the work of lexicographers and publishers, allowing your readers to verify your information and explore the source themselves. It's a fundamental aspect of academic honesty and contributes to the overall credibility of your writing. Failing to cite can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious consequences.

Key Information Needed for Dictionary Citations

Before you can cite a dictionary effectively, you'll need to gather a few key pieces of information. The exact details required can vary slightly depending on the citation style you're using (like MLA, APA, or Chicago), but generally, you'll want to look for:

• The title of the dictionary (e.g., Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary).
• The author or editor(s), if applicable. Many dictionaries are credited to an institution or organization rather than an individual.
• The edition number or year of publication. This is especially important for dictionaries that are updated regularly.
• The publisher.
• The specific entry or word you are citing.
• The page number where the entry appears (for print dictionaries).
• The URL or DOI for online dictionaries.

Citing Print Dictionaries

Citing a physical dictionary is often more straightforward than an online one because you have all the information readily available on the title page and copyright page. The core elements remain consistent across most styles, though the order and punctuation might differ.

MLA typically focuses on the title of the work and the author/editor. For a print dictionary, you'll generally cite it as follows:

When you cite a specific entry, you'll include that in your in-text citation. For instance, if you used the word 'ephemeral' from the 11th edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (published in 2003), your in-text citation might look like this: ("Ephemeral"). Note that for dictionary entries, you often don't need a page number, and you use the word itself in quotation marks if there's no author or editor listed for the entry. If there were an editor, you might use their last name.

APA style emphasizes the author and date. For dictionaries, the 'author' is often the publishing organization or the editor. The format looks like this:

For an in-text citation, you'd use the author (or title if no author) and the year. For example, if citing the same Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition (2003), your in-text citation might be (Merriam-Webster, 2003). If you're citing a specific entry, you might add the page number or entry number if available, though APA often prefers paraphrasing rather than direct quotes from dictionaries.

Chicago offers two systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. The bibliography entry is similar to MLA, but the notes system is more common for dictionaries. For a bibliography entry:

In a footnote or endnote, you'd provide more detail, including the specific entry and page number. For example: "Ephemeral," Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 2003), 456.

Citing Online Dictionaries

Online dictionaries present unique challenges because they are often updated frequently and may not have page numbers. The key is to provide enough information for your reader to locate the exact version you accessed. This usually involves a URL and an access date.

MLA 9th edition guidelines for online sources are quite flexible. You'll typically include the title of the specific entry, the title of the website (the dictionary), the publisher (if different from the website title), the publication date (if available), and the URL. You should also include an access date.

For example: "Ephemeral." Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephemeral. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

APA treats online dictionaries similarly to other online reference works. If the dictionary has a clear author or sponsoring organization and a publication date, you'll include that. If it's a continuously updated resource without a specific date, you can use 'n.d.' (no date).

For instance: Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Ephemeral. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephemeral

Chicago's notes and bibliography system for online dictionaries would look something like this in a bibliography:

In a note, you'd be more specific: "Ephemeral," Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, accessed October 26, 2023, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephemeral.

Citing Specific Editions and Older Dictionaries

When you're using a specific edition of a dictionary, especially one that's historical or has undergone significant revisions, it's crucial to note that. For example, if you're citing the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), you might be referencing a specific entry from a particular historical period. The OED is often cited by its online version, but if you're using a print set, you'll need the volume and page number.

For the OED online, you'd follow the general online dictionary guidelines for your chosen style. If citing a print edition, you'd include the volume and page number. For instance, in Chicago style, a note might look like: "Word," Oxford English Dictionary, vol. 5 (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989), 123. The key is to be as precise as possible so someone else can find the exact information you used.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

Even with clear guidelines, citing dictionaries can sometimes trip people up. Here are a few common issues to watch out for:

• Forgetting the Edition/Year: Dictionaries are updated. Always try to find and include the edition or publication year. This is especially vital for APA.
• Missing Publisher Information: For print dictionaries, the publisher is a standard element. Don't skip it.
• Inconsistent In-Text Citations: Ensure your in-text citations directly correspond to your bibliography or notes entries.
• Not Citing the Specific Entry: You're not citing the entire dictionary, but a specific word's definition or etymology. Make sure your citation points to that specific entry.
• Ignoring Style Guides: Always consult the specific style guide required by your instructor or publication. Minor differences in punctuation or order can matter.
• Over-reliance on Online Dictionaries: While convenient, ensure the online dictionary is reputable. For academic work, established dictionaries like Merriam-Webster, Oxford, or Cambridge are preferred over less formal online glossaries.

When to Cite a Dictionary

You should cite a dictionary whenever you use it to:

• Define a term, especially if the definition is specific or technical.
• Explore the etymology or origin of a word.
• Discuss the historical usage or evolution of a word's meaning.
• Use a definition that is central to your argument or analysis.
• Quote a definition directly.

You generally don't need to cite a dictionary for common knowledge words that are part of everyday vocabulary, unless you are using a specific nuance or definition that is critical to your point.

Conclusion

Mastering dictionary citations is a small but significant step in producing polished, credible academic and professional work. By carefully gathering the necessary information and adhering to the conventions of your chosen citation style, you can ensure that your use of these valuable resources is properly acknowledged. Remember to always check your specific style guide for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.