How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA Style
Writing academic essays and research papers can be more complex than it already is when you don’t know how to cite the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
Dictionaries can provide definitions, synonyms, and a variety of important information. This guide will show you how to create citations for a dictionary following APA 7th edition guidelines.
It becomes even more confusing depending on what type of OED you’re using, online or print. Why? Because you cite them in different ways. You can now rest easy since you’ve come to the right place. Read more if you want to learn how to cite the Oxford English Dictionary.
How to cite a dictionary in APA Style
In my research paper, I have set aside space to define terms (each having a bullet point). My confusion is how I go about defining these terms. Do I quote a dictionary, another research paper in the field, or do I paraphrase either one? , but the author doesn't cite any source. Does this mean the words fall under 'common knowledge'?
Perhaps the easiest way to access the Oxford English Dictionary is through their various websites. If you know the author, here’s how to cite it:
The style has got its own core elements of referencing that are required for every source, not only for dictionaries. You should learn them in order to know how to cite a dictionary definition in mla:
To cite a dictionary in MLA style, it is helpful to know basic information including the dictionary name, definition word, accessed date, and URL.
How To Cite The Oxford English Dictionary: Using MLA And APA
Here is an example of what I need. I need to reference the in-text word "money" for which I am giving the definition. I used the Oxford Lexico Dictionary. Here is the sentence: Money is defined as a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes; coins and banknotes collectively. How do I let the reader know it is cited in the reference section?
How to Cite a Dictionary in APA | EasyBib Citations
APA 6 style, which is used for psychology and other social science papers, follows a simple author, date style. This means that the author and date are the first two elements. Since there is typically no author for dictionaries, use the definition as the first element. Use n.d. if there is no date.
How to Cite a Dictionary | Chegg Writing
You don't need to use a verbatim definition, you can just explain the word's meaning as it relates to your essay.
If you're actually just using Webster's for filler--"Webster's defines 'hendecasyllable' as blah blah blah..."--then you need to cut that part out of your essay.
MLA Citations for Dictionaries ; How to Cite Using MLA Style
If you are trying to cite Wikipedia, mention the title of the article or the entry, then the full name of Wikipedia. Write the date of the last modification, the URL and the date of the last view of the article. This way of citing online dictionaries will be also useful if you need to know how to cite google dictionary mla, for instance.
A Brief Guide On How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA
A good way to guide your reader to the exact definition of a word you’ve used in your essay is to include a dictionary citation. You should keep in mind, however, that reference works, like dictionaries and encyclopedias, are secondary sources. You should use primary sources as much as possible in your essay instead. Setting up dictionary citations for your essay depends on the type of style used.
A Brief Guide On How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA · Name
Now the question on how to cite a dictionary entry in mla is not a problem for you. With this information, you can enrich your academic writing with printed entries and articles from online dictionaries.