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
Filmed in front of a green screen in one of the rooms of her San Diego home, De León’s videos aim at helping young children learn vocabulary for specific real-life situations.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026
It led to accusations of Arsenal being 'bottlers', a word Arteta says is "not part of my vocabulary".
From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026
Some have waded through turgid Communist Party documents in search of subtle shifts in tone and vocabulary.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026
Most of the time, I complimented her on her vocabulary, but at that moment her consideration was making me sick to my stomach.
From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall
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.
