lexicon

noun

lex·​i·​con ˈlek-sə-ˌkän 

 also  -kən

plural lexica ˈlek-sə-kə  or lexicons

1

: a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : dictionary

a French lexicon

2

a

: the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject

computer terms that have been added to the lexicon

b

: the total stock of morphemes in a language

3

: repertoire, inventory

added the DVD to his video lexicon

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Tips on Using Lexicon in a Sentence

The word lexicon has a number of closely-related meanings, which can easily lead to confusion and may cause the word to be used in an awkward way. Lexicon can refer to a general dictionary of a language (as in "a lexicon of the Hebrew language") and also to a narrower printed compilation of words within some sphere (as in "a medical lexicon" or "a lexicon of the German in Finnegans Wake").

Similarly, lexicon can refer both to the vocabulary of a specific group of people ("the lexicon of French") or to the general language used by an unspecified group of people ("a word that has not entered the general lexicon yet"). It may also often be found in reference to the vocabulary employed by a particular speaker ("'Failure' is not a word in my lexicon").

Synonyms

• dictionary
• wordbook

Examples of lexicon in a Sentence

a computer term that has entered the general lexicon

an avid word enthusiast who is compiling a lexicon of archaic and unusual words

Recent Examples on the Web

During his time, a new phrase was added to the Texas political lexicon: Laney Republicans. —John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 8 Dec. 2024

The company published a list of the most mispronounced words of the year in the United States and the United Kingdom on Wednesday, including foreign words that have entered the English lexicon for one reason or another, as well as the names of various politicians and public figures. —Jack Guy, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

Focus On Purpose And Function Create an internal lexicon that focuses on purpose and function rather than platform or tool brand names. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Now many have a new job description: ‘Full-time children’ Sept. 28, 2023 In China over the past few years, a stagnating economy and a cutthroat job market have given rise to an entirely new lexicon to talk about modern-day burnout. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek lexikon, from neuter of lexikos of words, from Greek lexis word, speech, from legein to say — more at legend

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lexicon

noun

lex·​i·​con ˈlek-sə-ˌkän 

-si-kən

: dictionary sense 1