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

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In kindergarten, the test uses letters as well as visual symbols to check for a range of skills, such as alphabet knowledge, object naming, vocabulary, and phonological awareness.

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Previously, she had integrated spatial vocabulary casually into classroom by reminding children to put a basket “on” a shelf or to put their hands “behind” their back.

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They share a common history, a social vocabulary, an obsession with the automobile and, until recently, an almost genetic belief in the virtue of growth.

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At the same time, they’ve inherited a vocabulary that lets them talk about the toll of routine sexualization with a clarity that previous generations lacked.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• dictionary 
• glossary 
• jargon 
• terminology