How to Cite a Dictionary

The Importance of Citing Dictionaries

In the realm of academic writing and professional research, precision is paramount. When you draw upon the definitions, etymologies, or specific usages found within a dictionary, you are engaging with a source of information that, like any other, requires proper attribution. Failing to cite a dictionary can lead to accusations of plagiarism, undermining the credibility of your work and potentially incurring academic penalties. More than just a formality, citing a dictionary demonstrates your commitment to scholarly honesty, acknowledges the foundational work of lexicographers, and allows your readers to verify your sources and explore the information further. Whether you're defining a key term, tracing the historical evolution of a word, or establishing a specific meaning within your context, a dictionary citation is a necessary component of robust scholarship.

Key Information Needed for a Dictionary Citation

Before diving into specific style guides, it's essential to gather the necessary components for any dictionary citation. These elements ensure that your reader can locate the exact source you consulted. While the exact format will vary by style, the core pieces of information typically remain consistent. You'll generally need the following:

• Author(s) or Editor(s): For many dictionaries, this will be the name of the editor or editorial team. Some dictionaries might list a corporate author.
• Title of the Dictionary: This is the full, official title of the dictionary.
• Edition: If the dictionary is not the first edition, you must specify which edition you used (e.g., 10th ed., Revised ed.).
• Year of Publication: The year the specific edition you consulted was published.
• Publisher: The name of the company that published the dictionary.
• Location of Publication (sometimes required): Some styles may ask for the city where the publisher is located, though this is becoming less common.
• URL or DOI (for online dictionaries): If you accessed the dictionary online, provide the web address or digital object identifier.
• Specific Entry (for online dictionaries): For online sources, it's often helpful to include the specific word or term you looked up, especially if the dictionary is frequently updated.

Citing Dictionaries in MLA Style

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities. When citing a print dictionary, the format generally follows this structure:

For a specific entry, you would include the word in quotation marks followed by the page number:

Let's look at a concrete example using a well-known dictionary:

If you are citing a specific entry from this print dictionary, it would look like this:

For online dictionaries, the MLA 9th edition guidelines are slightly different, emphasizing the URL and access date. The entry itself is often treated as the 'author' if no specific editor is listed, or the title can be used directly if no author/editor is clear.

Citing Dictionaries in APA Style

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is prevalent in social sciences. APA citations for dictionaries are quite straightforward. For a print dictionary, the format is:

When citing a specific entry from a print dictionary, you generally don't cite the entry itself in the reference list unless it's a unique, authored entry. Instead, you would refer to the dictionary generally and might mention the entry in your text. However, if you need to cite a specific entry that is treated as a standalone work (less common for standard dictionaries), the format might be adapted. For most standard dictionary definitions, you'd cite the dictionary as a whole.

For online dictionaries, APA requires the publisher and, if available, a URL. If the author and publisher are the same, omit the publisher. The entry word is not typically listed as the author.

Citing Dictionaries in Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) offers two systems: Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date. The Notes and Bibliography system is more common in the humanities. For print dictionaries, the citation in a note and in the bibliography differs slightly.

Chicago Style: Notes and Bibliography

Bibliography Entry:

Footnote/Endnote Entry (for a specific entry):

For online dictionaries, Chicago style is similar, requiring the URL and access date. The entry word is often treated as the title of the specific work being cited.

Chicago Style: Author-Date

In the Author-Date system, the reference list entry is more concise. For print dictionaries:

For online dictionaries:

Citing Dictionaries in Harvard Style

Harvard referencing is an author-date system widely used in the UK and Australia. The core principle is to provide author, year, title, and publication details.

When citing an online dictionary, include the URL and the date you accessed it.

Special Considerations for Dictionary Citations

While the above examples cover the most common scenarios, a few special cases warrant attention:

• Dictionaries without Editors/Authors: Some dictionaries might not list a specific editor or author, especially older or specialized ones. In such cases, you typically start the citation with the title of the dictionary.
• Specific Editions: Always cite the edition you used. Dictionaries are revised, and definitions or spellings can change over time. Using a specific edition adds precision.
• Online Dictionaries and Updates: Online dictionaries can be updated frequently. If a specific update date is available, use it. If not, use 'n.d.' (no date) and always include your access date.
• Thesauruses: While similar to dictionaries, thesauruses are cited slightly differently, often focusing on the author of the thesaurus or its title. Consult your style guide for specifics.
• In-text Citations: Remember that your reference list or bibliography entry is only half the story. You also need to provide an in-text citation (e.g., (Guralnik, 1991) in APA, or Guralnik, Webster's, 1500 in MLA) whenever you refer to the dictionary's content in your writing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Navigating citation styles can be tricky, and dictionary citations are no exception. Being aware of common mistakes can save you from errors.

• Forgetting the Edition: Not specifying the edition can lead to ambiguity if different editions have different content.
• Omitting the Publisher/URL: Crucial for source identification, especially for online resources.
• Incorrectly Formatting Dates: Pay close attention to the required date format (e.g., Month Day, Year vs. Year).
• Confusing Print and Online Formats: Online sources require different elements like URLs and access dates.
• Not Citing Specific Entries: If you're quoting or paraphrasing a specific definition, ensure your citation points to that entry, especially in styles like Chicago.
• Inconsistent Style: Applying elements from different citation styles within the same paper is a common error. Stick to one guide rigorously.

Conclusion: Enhancing Credibility Through Accurate Citations

Citing a dictionary might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a significant role in the overall quality and integrity of your academic or professional work. By understanding the specific requirements of your chosen citation style—whether it's MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard—and by meticulously gathering the necessary information, you can ensure your sources are properly acknowledged. This not only prevents plagiarism but also adds a layer of credibility and transparency to your research, allowing your audience to follow your intellectual trail with confidence. Always refer to the official style guide or your institution's specific requirements for the most accurate and up-to-date information.