lexicographer
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of lexicographer
1650–60; < Late Greek lexikográph ( os ) ( see lexicon, -graph) + -er 1
Explanation
Ever wonder who writes dictionaries? They're called lexicographers. A lexicographer studies words and compiles the results into a dictionary. This is one of several words for a certain type of writer or editor. Just as a playwright writes plays and a poet writes poems, a lexicographer puts together dictionaries. Lexicographer come up with definitions, determines parts of speech, gives pronunciations, and sometimes provides example sentences. Lexicographer need to do a lot of research to make sure they're defining a word correctly; dictionaries are books that people need to trust. If you love words, you might enjoy being a lexicographer.
Vocabulary lists containing lexicographer
Write On!: Graph and Gram
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Dictionary Words: Lexicography Lingo
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Write Makes Might: Words About Written Language
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lexicographer Francisco Sobrino defined ponche or diapente, in 1732, as an English drink made with aguardiente, water, lime and sugar.
From Salon • Sep. 1, 2022
Into this compilation during the next six years Lexicographer Baten packed a definition and discussion of every one of the 15,000 words Shakespeare ever used.
From Time Magazine Archive
But last week Lexicographer William Dodge Lewis, editor of the Winston company, was sure that it was "one of the monumental works of all time."
From Time Magazine Archive
Somewhere in Chelsea—not Glebe Place—the Lexicographer had seen just the thing, if only he could be quite sure about the drains….
From Defenders of Democracy; contributions from representative men and women of letters and other arts from our allies and our own country, edited by the Gift book committee of the Militia of Mercy by Militia of Mercy (U.S.). Gift Book Committee
"Yet in familiar colloquy, I do not greatly object to the use of a word occasionally, even although unsanctioned by the authority of our mighty Lexicographer," said a new speaker.
From Marriage by Ferrier, Susan Edmonstone
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
