Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

vocabulary

 - definition
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: vocabulary /voʊˈkæbjəˌleri/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularvocabulary
pluralvocabularies
  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] all the words that a person knows
    a limited vocabulary:

    Her grammar isn't bad, but she has a limited vocabulary.

    a wide vocabulary (=knowledge of a large number of words):

    He has a wide vocabulary and loves crosswords.

    expand your vocabulary (=learn new words):

    An average child will quickly expand his or her vocabulary.

    1. a.
      [countable/uncountable] all the words in a particular language

      Technical developments give us a lot of new vocabulary.

      enter the vocabulary:

      The word "think tank" had entered the vocabulary by the 1960s.

    2. b.
      the words used for talking about a particular subject
      technical/specialized vocabulary:

      Try to avoid using too much technical vocabulary.

phrase

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

higgledy-piggledy

mixed together in a way that is not planned, organized, or tidy

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog