How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in MLA 9th edition

Dictionary entries and word definitions.

Example in MLA 9th edition

“Algorithm.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, Sept. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1019775631.
In-text (“Algorithm”)

What MLA 9th edition includes

These are the details of the example above that the style prints, so they are the ones to collect for your own source.

  • Term/Word
  • Dictionary
  • Publisher
  • Date Published
  • DOI

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

The formatting comes from the style's own file, so check the finer points against your guide. What to check by hand in MLA 9th edition.

A Dictionary Entry in other styles

APA 7th edition Chicago 18th edition (notes and bibliography) Harvard (Cite Them Right 12th edition) IEEE Vancouver

Other sources in MLA 9th edition

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 Preprint Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication Generative AI