encyclopedia

noun

en·​cy·​clo·​pe·​dia in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-dē-ə 

: a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject

Examples of encyclopedia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When many of us were growing up, the go-to source of information was the set of encyclopedias on the family bookshelf. —Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The game does, however, feature an encyclopedia and character relationship chart to allow those interested to dig more into the world. —Scott McRae, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025

While Adam, a health buff working as a manager at Whole Foods, finds care in health and wellness, Tiffany, the Beauty Commerce Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, has an encyclopedia of beauty tips and tricks to share with him. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Apr. 2025

And, according to Amos, the full encyclopedia of Black beauty from the 18th century ‘till modern day, will be seen on the red carpet. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin encyclopaedia course of general education, from Greek enkyklios + paideia education, child rearing, from paid-, pais child — more at few

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encyclopedia

• cyclopaedia
• cyclopedia
• hypermedia
• intermedia
• multimedia
• comedia
• commedia
• encyclopaedia

Kids Definition

encyclopedia

noun

en·​cy·​clo·​pe·​dia

variants also encyclopaedia

in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpēd-ē-ə

: a work that contains information on all subjects or one that covers a certain subject thoroughly usually with articles arranged alphabetically

Etymology

from Latin encyclopedia "course of general education," from Greek enkyklios "general, all-around," literally, "circular" and Greek paideia "education, child rearing"