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how to use a dictionary

How to Use a Dictionary

Dictionaries are overflowing with interesting information! Here's how to get the most out of your dictionary.

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play how to use a dictionary
How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

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'All over sudden' vs. 'All of a sudden'

 

Figuring it out at once

play serial comma
The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

play video how a word gets into the dicionary
How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.

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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play cartoon-of-british-nobility
Why did Yankee Doodle call a feather 'macaroni'?

 

What's with his feathered cap?

Games & Quizzes

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
8-track-tapes
Good Old-Fashioned Quiz Can you name these antiquated items?
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