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

So I think that her vocabulary of options, or the number options she has, is probably around 500 to 600.

Read more on Salon

"There's no roadblock at all on rare earths -- that will hopefully disappear from our vocabulary," he said, without giving details.

Read more on Barron's

It is firmly addressed to an academic audience, and when Ms. Gaul puts on her gender-studies hat, you can expect much of the specialized vocabulary associated with that discipline.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Their mental health, their vocabulary. They are speaking the language of the militias. Violent curse words, even physical violence. They carry sticks and whips, wanting to hit someone. They have become so anxious."

Read more on BBC

So I look back at those outfits and it’s like — I don’t have the vocabulary to explain it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dictionary 
• glossary 
• jargon 
• terminology