lexicography

American  

[lek-si-kog-ruh-fee] / ˌlɛk sɪˈkɒg rə fi /

noun

1. the writing, editing, or compiling of dictionaries.

2. the principles and procedures involved in writing, editing, or compiling dictionaries.

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lexicography British  

/ ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfɪ, ˌlɛksɪkəˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. the process or profession of writing or compiling dictionaries

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Other Word Forms

• lexicographer noun
• lexicographic adjective
• lexicographical adjective
• lexicographically adverb
• unlexicographical adjective

Etymology

Origin of lexicography

First recorded in 1670–80; lexic(on) + -o- + -graphy

Example Sentences

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

Psychologist Tim Lomas created an interactive lexicography of emotion words in languages from Akkadian to Zulu, positing that expanded sentimental vocabularies enrich our inner lives.

From Washington Post

Webster, who corresponded with founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, saw lexicography as an act of patriotism.

From New York Times

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

One of the main goals of historical lexicography is finding antedatings, as instances that push back the earliest known use of a term are called.

From New York Times