dictionary entry

USAGE SUMMARY

"dictionary entry" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it when referring to a word's definition and explanation as provided in a dictionary. For example, "The dictionary entry for 'fortuitous' is defined as 'happening by chance or unexpectedly'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She's using the dictionary entry as literature.

The New York Times - Books

Each dictionary entry was like an orderly, prescribed planet".

The New York Times - Books

For more information, see the dictionary entry on mask files.

Harvard University

Each of her parts is like the dictionary entry for what that part should look like.

The New Yorker

One new dictionary entry is macular degeneration, a vision problem that especially affects the elderly.

The New York Times

If this were a dictionary entry, a portrait of Kenneth Lay would be the illustration.

Harvard Business Review

The book earned him notoriety, confidence, a dictionary entry and lots of money.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A video-dictionary entry for that staple exclamation of interweb parlance, "pwned!".

The Guardian - Tech

In my recollection, this was often the last line of a newspaper report, but a media-dictionary entry compiled by a Russian media outlet offers more options.

The New Yorker

For each noun phrase-dictionary entry pair, a score is computed based on the number of common tokens.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The Oxford English Dictionary entry for 'information'information

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the meaning of a word, specify the dictionary used to avoid ambiguity. For example, "According to Merriam-Webster's "dictionary entry", the word means..."

Common error

While related, "dictionary entry" refers to the entire record of information about a word, including pronunciation, etymology, and usage examples, while "definition" refers specifically to the meaning of the word. Use "definition" if you are only referring to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dictionary entry" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. It refers to a specific record within a dictionary providing information about a word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dictionary entry" is a common and grammatically sound term used to refer to a record within a dictionary that provides comprehensive information about a word. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It functions primarily to inform and describe, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various contexts, including academic, news, and scientific discussions. Related terms include "lexical definition" and "word definition", offering similar but slightly different perspectives. Remember to specify the dictionary used for clarity and to distinguish between a "dictionary entry" and a simple "definition".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dictionary definition

This is a more descriptive alternative that focuses on the act of definition found in a dictionary.

definition of a term

Focuses on the act of defining rather than the location (dictionary).

word definition

This is a more general term for the meaning of a word.

entry in a lexicon

This is a more formal way of saying "dictionary entry", emphasizing the lexicon or vocabulary of a language.

lexical definition

This alternative focuses on the formal definition of a word as it pertains to lexicography.

vocabulary definition

This refers to the definition of a word, specifically within someone's vocabulary or a language's vocabulary.

glossary entry

Refers to an entry in a glossary, typically focused on specialized terms within a particular field.

thesaurus listing

This specifies an entry in a thesaurus, which provides synonyms and related words.

encyclopedia article

This denotes a more extensive and detailed entry found in an encyclopedia.

lexical unit

This term refers to a single word or phrase that functions as a meaningful unit in a language's lexicon.

FAQs

How do I properly cite a "dictionary entry"?

When citing a "dictionary entry", include the dictionary's name, publication year, entry title, and access date if online. For example, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed., "serendipity", accessed October 15, 2025.

What information is typically included in a "dictionary entry"?

A typical "dictionary entry" includes the word's pronunciation, part of speech, definition, etymology, and example sentences. Some entries may also include synonyms, antonyms, and related words.

What's the difference between a "dictionary entry" and a thesaurus entry?

A "dictionary entry" provides definitions, etymology, and usage information, while a thesaurus entry offers synonyms and antonyms. Dictionaries explain what a word means, while thesauruses suggest alternative words with similar meanings.

Can the meaning of a "dictionary entry" change over time?

Yes, the meaning of a "dictionary entry" can evolve over time as language usage changes. Dictionaries are updated periodically to reflect these shifts in meaning and usage, including new words and revised definitions.