The best free online English dictionaries

Posted on September 19, 2006
Filed under Dictionaries, Learning resources |

Here is a list of our favorite online dictionaries. To be included on this page, a dictionary has to be up-to-date, have a good user interface, and the website can’t be too ad-heavy. We promise to list only the English dictionaries that we actually use ourselves in our day-to-day work here at Better At English, dictionaries that we find truly useful. If we are missing a good dictionary resource, please drop us a line and let us know so that we can help spread the word!

English only - Learner’s dictionaries

These dictionaries are designed for non-native speakers of English

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
Features: clear definitions in easy-to-understand language; good example sentences; helpful usage notes; fairly up-to-date. Our favorite online learner’s dictionary. We really like their word of the day feature as well.
Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary
This is like the Advanced Learner’s dictionary above, but the language is adapted for intermediate level learners.
Cambridge International Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs
Features: Over 6000 phrasal verbs, lots of example sentences in context. Covers British, American and Australian usage. Take control of your phrasal verbs!
Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms
Features: Over 7000 idioms, lots of example sentences in context. Covers British, American and Australian usage.

English only - Advanced / Native-speaker

Dictionaries designed primarily for native speakers of English (but if you are upper-intermediate to advanced, you should give them a try). For example, learner’s dictionaries don’t tell you where words originated, but dictionaries aimed at native speakers usually have a brief note about a word’s origin (etymology notes).

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary and Thesaurus.
Features: American English (but provides notes about British usage as well), up-to-date. Audio files so you can hear the pronunciation. The Thesaurus shows you synonyms and antonyms.

Related Link: Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Grammar Checker An integrated solution for English writers who need quick and reliable grammar and spelling correction, and a huge dictionary/thesaurus for reference.

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Comments

2 Responses to “The best free online English dictionaries”

  1. Oscar Rogeles henao on August 7th, 2007 00:49

    Hello!

    Please let me know what’s the better ‘free online English dictionary with pronunciation patterns’.

    I’m studying English and I need it, is very important for me to have this tool. I will appreciate your help in this. Thanks.

  2. Lori on August 7th, 2007 01:35

    Hi Oscar,

    If you need the pronunciation symbols, they have them at http://dictionary.cambridge.org

    If you want to hear the word, you should try http://www.m-w.com

    I hope this helps!

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