vocabulary
Americannoun
plural
vocabularies-
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.
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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.
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the words of a language.
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any collection of signs or symbols constituting a means or system of nonverbal communication.
vocabulary of a computer.
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any more or less specific group of forms characteristic of an artist, a style of art, architecture, or the like.
noun
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a listing, either selective or exhaustive, containing the words and phrases of a language, with meanings or translations into another language; glossary
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the aggregate of words in the use or comprehension of a specified person, class, profession, etc
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all the words contained in a language
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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
Etymology
Origin of vocabulary
1525–35; < Medieval Latin vocābulārium, noun use of neuter of vocābulārius of words, equivalent to Latin vocābul ( um ) vocable + -ārius -ary
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.
“The time and energy you have to devote to learning a whole new vocabulary and a whole new skill set, it wasn’t worth it,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
His unique delivery – conversational and charismatic, combining Jamaican intonation with witty Britishisms and elevated vocabulary – was already in place.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
As she points out in her professional bio, it was movies and TV that helped with her English vocabulary, especially the Disney sitcom “Lizzie McGuire.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026
The talismanic vocabulary of falconry is threaded through this raw-nerved memoir by an experienced British falconer who dealt with the pain of losing a father by training a young goshawk called Mabel.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
In the Bible, and in Shakespeare's vocabulary, they are in the proportion of ninety per cent.
From New Word-Analysis by William Swinton
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.
