How to Cite a Dictionary Entry

Dictionary entries and word definitions.

What You'll Need

Term/Word
Dictionary
Edition
Publisher
Date Published
Page
URL
Date Accessed

Include the headword or entry term, dictionary title, edition, and year. For online dictionaries, note the URL and access date.

Example Citations

APA
Algorithm. (2023). In Oxford English Dictionary (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/algorithm_n
In-text (“Algorithm”, 2023)
MLA Handbook (in-text citations)
“Algorithm”. Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2023, https://www.oed.com/dictionary/algorithm_n.
In-text (“Algorithm”)
CMOS 17e with Bluebook (notes and bibliography [14.19])
.
Footnote Oxford English Dictionary, Algorithm, 3rd ed. (Oxford University Press, 2023), https://www.oed.com/dictionary/algorithm_n.

Other Source Types

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Article Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication