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
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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.
“I haven’t seen a game for the last 46 years,” the lexicographer said, though he makes a biannual exception for the second halves of the Super Bowl and college football’s national championship game.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025
“The further back in history, the less we can find Black people having agency over how we’re written about,” said Bianca Jenkins, a lexicographer working on the project.
From Seattle Times • May 27, 2023
Michael Rundell, a linguist and lexicographer - now mostly retired - has been a dictionary editor since 1980.
From BBC • May 18, 2023
There was also a violinist, an English banker and a lexicographer with a thing for kilts and vintage cocktails.
From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2022
“Difficult do you call it, Sir?” the lexicographer Samuel Johnson once said after hearing a violinist perform.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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.
