lexicography
Americannoun
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the writing, editing, or compiling of dictionaries.
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the principles and procedures involved in writing, editing, or compiling dictionaries.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lexicography
Explanation
Lexicography is all about words: It's the study of a language's vocabulary and the art and science of writing and editing dictionaries. Through lexicography, this dictionary is here for you to learn about words. A person who works in the field of lexicography, a lexicographer, selects the words and phrases to include in a dictionary; researches the words, their pronunciations, etcetera; drafts the definitions; and organizes them so that users can access the meanings. Here are some things a lexicographer may tell you about the word lexicography, besides its meaning: It's built from the Greek combining elements lexiko-, meaning "of or for words," and -graphy, meaning "something written."
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.
"Maxxing is the linguistic manifestation of a culture increasingly preoccupied with getting the most out of everything," said Steve Johnson, director of lexicography for the Dictionary Media Group.
From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2026
Today the dictionary disputes seem to have largely fizzled out, the pitched battles over lexicography having succumbed to a weary war of consumerist attrition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 19, 2025
She had trained in translation and lexicography — the practice of compiling dictionaries — when Oxford University Press hired her in 1991 to oversee the publication of a new reference guide to Canadian English.
From Washington Post ● May 21, 2021
Merriam could have written a blog post about the trending words and saved the actual lexicography for later.
From Slate ● Mar. 26, 2020
On its practical side the advance in lexicography has consisted in the elaboration of methods long in use rather than in the invention of new ones.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 "Diameter" to "Dinarchus" by Various
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