vocabulary

[voh-kab-yuh-ler-ee]

noun

plural

vocabularies 

1. the stock of words used by or known to a particular people or group of persons.

   His French vocabulary is rather limited. The scientific vocabulary is constantly growing.

2. a list or collection of the words or phrases of a language, technical field, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined.

   Study the vocabulary in the fourth chapter.

3. the words of a language.

4. any collection of signs or symbols constituting a means or system of nonverbal communication.

   vocabulary of a computer.

5. any more or less specific group of forms characteristic of an artist, a style of art, architecture, or the like.

vocabulary

/ vəˈkæbjʊlərɪ /

noun

1. a listing, either selective or exhaustive, containing the words and phrases of a language, with meanings or translations into another language; glossary

2. the aggregate of words in the use or comprehension of a specified person, class, profession, etc

3. all the words contained in a language

4. a range or system of symbols, qualities, or techniques constituting a means of communication or expression, as any of the arts or crafts

   a wide vocabulary of textures and colours

Other Word Forms

• vocabularied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocabulary¹

1525–35; < Medieval Latin vocābulārium, noun use of neuter of vocābulārius of words, equivalent to Latin vocābul ( um ) vocable + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocabulary¹

C16: from Medieval Latin vocābulārium, from vocābulārius concerning words, from Latin vocābulum _vocable

Example Sentences

At the same time, they’ve inherited a vocabulary that lets them talk about the toll of routine sexualization with a clarity that previous generations lacked.

From Salon

Before the show came up, were you familiar with the vocabulary, the concepts?

From Los Angeles Times

Over time, I learn some of the gang's vocabulary.

From BBC

“You’re developing a brand new set of vocabulary from scratch, which is a really cool experience as a choreographer.”

From Los Angeles Times

Jones relies on a dance vocabulary, evolved from Balanchine, for the five women, each of whom is a muse, as well as the male Mortal employed for a final pas de deux.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dictionary 
• glossary 
• jargon 
• terminology