9 Best English Dictionaries For Online Language Learning

If you are learning English, an English dictionary is one of the most essential tools you need. With the rise of online learning, there are now a plethora of English dictionaries available online. In this article, we will highlight 9 of the best English dictionaries for online language learning. We will discuss each dictionary’s detailed description, example use cases, pros and cons, as well as pricing.

1. Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is one of the most authoritative and comprehensive English dictionaries available. It is a historical dictionary that traces the evolution of words over time. It includes over 600,000 words, phrases, and meanings, as well as over 3 million quotations. The OED is an excellent resource for understanding English words’ etymology and usage history.

Example Use Cases: The OED is a valuable resource for students, academics, and professionals who need to research and understand the history and usage of English words.

Pros: The OED includes extensive usage notes, pronunciation guides, and etymology information. It is regularly updated, and subscribers receive access to new and revised entries.

Cons: The OED is one of the most expensive English dictionaries available, with a yearly subscription costing $295.

Pricing: Yearly subscription: $295

2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Merriam-Webster is one of the most popular English dictionaries in the United States. It includes over 100,000 entries, as well as definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. The Merriam-Webster website also includes a thesaurus and a word game.

Example Use Cases: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary.

Pros: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary is free to use, and the website includes additional resources, such as a thesaurus and a word game.

Cons: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free

3. Cambridge Dictionary

The Cambridge Dictionary is a popular English dictionary that includes over 170,000 entries. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. The Cambridge Dictionary also includes a thesaurus and a translation feature that allows users to translate words into multiple languages.

Example Use Cases: The Cambridge Dictionary is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary and translation skills.

Pros: The Cambridge Dictionary is free to use, includes a thesaurus, and has a translation feature.

Cons: The Cambridge Dictionary may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free

4. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English is a popular English dictionary that includes over 230,000 words, phrases, and meanings. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English also includes a thesaurus and a writing assistant that provides feedback on grammar and usage.

Example Use Cases: The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary and writing skills.

Pros: The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English includes a thesaurus and a writing assistant that provides feedback on grammar and usage.

Cons: The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free trial available; yearly subscription: $29.99

5. Collins English Dictionary

The Collins English Dictionary is a popular English dictionary that includes over 722,000 words, phrases, and meanings. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. The Collins English Dictionary also includes a thesaurus and a translation feature that allows users to translate words into multiple languages.

Example Use Cases: The Collins English Dictionary is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary and translation skills.

Pros: The Collins English Dictionary includes a thesaurus and a translation feature.

Cons: The Collins English Dictionary may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free trial available; yearly subscription: $9.99

6. Macmillan English Dictionary

The Macmillan English Dictionary is a popular English dictionary that includes over 235,000 words, phrases, and meanings. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. The Macmillan English Dictionary also includes a thesaurus and a writing assistant that provides feedback on grammar and usage.

Example Use Cases: The Macmillan English Dictionary is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary and writing skills.

Pros: The Macmillan English Dictionary includes a thesaurus and a writing assistant that provides feedback on grammar and usage.

Cons: The Macmillan English Dictionary may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free

7. American Heritage Dictionary

The American Heritage Dictionary is a popular English dictionary that includes over 90,000 entries. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. The American Heritage Dictionary also includes a thesaurus, a word game, and a writing guide.

Example Use Cases: The American Heritage Dictionary is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary and writing skills.

Pros: The American Heritage Dictionary includes a thesaurus, a word game, and a writing guide.

Cons: The American Heritage Dictionary may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free

8. Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com is a popular English dictionary that includes over 2 million definitions. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. Dictionary.com also includes a thesaurus and a translation feature that allows users to translate words into multiple languages.

Example Use Cases: Dictionary.com is an excellent resource for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their English vocabulary and translation skills.

Pros: Dictionary.com includes a thesaurus and a translation feature.

Cons: Dictionary.com may not include all the words and definitions that other dictionaries include.

Pricing: Free

9. Urban Dictionary

Urban Dictionary is a crowd-sourced English dictionary that includes slang words and phrases. It includes definitions, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. Urban Dictionary is not a traditional dictionary, and the words and definitions included may not be appropriate for all users.

Example Use Cases: Urban Dictionary is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to understand slang words and phrases.

Pros: Urban Dictionary includes slang words and phrases.

Cons: Urban Dictionary is not a traditional dictionary, and the words and definitions included may not be appropriate for all users.

Pricing: Free

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many English dictionaries available online, each with its own unique features and benefits. The best dictionary for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you find the perfect English dictionary for your online language learning journey.