Citing A Dictionary Entry Mla

Citing a Dictionary Entry MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

Proper citation is crucial for academic integrity. While citing books and articles is relatively straightforward, citing sources like dictionary entries can be confusing. This article provides a clear and comprehensive guide on how to correctly cite dictionary entries using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, ensuring that your research is both accurate and ethically sound. We will cover the basic format, address variations depending on the dictionary type, and offer helpful examples to clarify the process.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Dictionary Citation

The core components of an MLA dictionary citation are consistent, regardless of the specific dictionary used. These include:

Entry Word: The term you looked up in the dictionary.
Dictionary Title: The full title of the dictionary, italicized.
Edition: If the dictionary has multiple editions, specify the edition number (e.g., 3rd ed.).
Publisher: The name of the publishing company.
Publication Year: The year the dictionary was published or the edition you consulted was published.
Medium: Usually "Print" or "Online." For online dictionaries, you'll need to provide a URL and access date.

Citing Print Dictionaries in MLA Style

The basic format for citing a print dictionary entry in MLA is:

"Entry Word." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Publication Year, Page number(s). Medium.

Example 1:

"Ephemeral." Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. 11th ed., Merriam-Webster, 2003, p. 456. Print.

Example 2 (Multiple Authors):

"Syzygy." The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed., edited by John Simpson and Edward Weiner, Oxford UP, 1989, p. 1234. Print.

Note how the entry word is in quotation marks, the dictionary title is italicized, and the page number is specified. The "Medium" indicates the format of the source. Always double-check your spelling and punctuation for accuracy.

Citing Online Dictionaries in MLA Style

Citing online dictionaries requires additional information to ensure that your reader can easily locate the source. The format is essentially the same, but adds a URL and access date:

"Entry Word." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Publication Year, URL, Access Date. Medium.

Example 1 (No edition number):

"Quixotic." Oxford Languages. Oxford University Press, www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/quixotic, Accessed 22 Oct. 2023. Web.

Example 2 (With an edition number):

"Ubiquitous." Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary. 12th ed., Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ubiquitous, Accessed 22 Oct. 2023. Web.

Remember to replace the example URL and access date with the actual ones for your entry. The access date is essential as online content can change over time.

Handling Variations and Specific Cases

Certain situations may require slight adjustments to the basic format. For instance:

No Publisher: If you cannot find the publisher, omit this element.
No Edition: If the edition number is not available, omit it. However, it's always best to strive for completeness.
Multiple Entries: If you're citing information from multiple dictionary entries, cite each entry individually in separate entries in your Works Cited page.
Specialized Dictionaries: The citation format remains largely the same, but ensure you include the full and accurate title of the specialized dictionary (e.g., Dictionary of Literary Terms, A Dictionary of Music).

Conclusion

Accurately citing dictionary entries is a fundamental aspect of academic writing. By following the MLA guidelines outlined above, you can ensure the credibility and integrity of your work. Consistent application of these principles will contribute to the overall quality and professionalism of your academic papers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to cite every dictionary entry I use? Yes, any information taken directly from a source, including a dictionary, needs proper citation.

2. What if I only paraphrase the definition? Even paraphrases require citation. While you’re not directly quoting, the idea still originates from the dictionary.

3. Can I use a shortened version of the dictionary title? No, use the full title as it appears on the title page or in the source information.

4. What if the online dictionary doesn't have a publication date? Use "n.d." (no date) in place of the publication year.

5. Is it acceptable to cite a dictionary definition in an annotation? Yes, you can cite dictionary definitions in your annotations to support your interpretations or to clarify terminology. Maintain consistency with your overall citation style.

Search Results:

Cite a Dictionary in MLA - Citation Machine® Easily cite dictionary in MLA format with Citation Machine. Properly credit your sources and create accurate citations for academic or professional use. Get started now!

Whom should I list as the author of a dictionary entry in MLA MLA recommends citing the original source wherever possible, rather than the source in which it is quoted or reproduced. If this isn’t possible, cite the secondary source and use “qtd. in” …

Free MLA Citation Generator [Updated for 2025] - MyBib Generate MLA format citations and create your works cited page accurately with our free MLA citation generator. Now fully compatible with MLA 8th and 9th Edition.

Dictionary or Encyclopedia - MLA Citation Style, 9th Edition ... 28 Jun 2024 · If citing a specific entry among several for the same word, add Entry and the appropriate designation (e.g., number, letter):

MLA Citation Guide (9th Edition): Encyclopedias & Dictionaries Note: If a dictionary or encyclopedia entry has no author, the in-text citation should include the first one, two or three words of the title of the entry. The title of the entry should be in quotation …

Referencing eBooks with MLA 9th Edition - ebooks - Guides at … 5 days ago · Template for Citing an eBook in MLA 9. Last Name, First Name. Title of the Book: Subtitle if Used. Edition (if it is given). Publisher Name, Year of Publication, Website Name, …

MLA Dictionary Entry Citation – Formatting & Examples 11 Feb 2023 · It allows you to cite key details like the edition, publisher, and dictionary title for easy retrieval. This article covers: The correct structure for print and online sources. How to …

How to Cite A Dictionary Entry in MLA? | Top Essential Steps 27 Jan 2025 · Here is the format for citing a dictionary entry in MLA: Works Cited: “Title of Entry, Part of Speech. (Definition Number).” Dictionary Title, Publisher, Publication Year, URL. Works …

How To Cite The Oxford English Dictionary: Using MLA And APA 2 Jun 2022 · How To Cite The Oxford English Dictionary Using APA 7th Edition. The APA style is more straightforward than the MLA. When citing authors, remember it’s only the last name …

Citing Your Sources in MLA 9th: Encyclopedia and Dictionary … 10 Dec 2024 · If you are citing a single page, use "p." If you are citing multiple pages, use "pp." Example: If an article runs from page 10 to page 15, your citation should say "pp. 10-15" …

Citing encyclopedias & dictionaries: MLA (9th) citation guide Citing an encyclopedia article or dictionary entry is similar to citing a chapter in a book or anthology: include the author's name (if available), the entry title, and the title of the entire …

Encyclopedias and Dictionaries - MLA Citation Guide (MLA 9th … "Title of Entry." Title of Encyclopedia or Dictionary , edited by Editor's First Name Last Name, Edition if given and not first edition, vol. Volume Number, Publisher Name, Date of Publication, …

Cite a dictionary entry in MLA style - Cite This For Me A full template and example to help you write a citation for a Dictionary entry in the MLA style.

How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA | EasyBib Citations 10 Aug 2012 · To cite a dictionary in MLA style, you need to have basic information including the entry’s headword (as it appears), part of speech, the title of the dictionary, and when …

MLA Style 9th Edition - Citing Encyclopedias & Dictionaries 20 Mar 2024 · Title of Encyclopedia or Dictionary, edited by Editor's First Name Last Name, Edition if given and not first edition, vol. Volume Number, Publisher Name, Date of Publication, …

CSI Library: ENG151_Research: Cite Sources: MLA Style 5 days ago · Whenever you quote, paraphrase, summarize, or otherwise refer to the work of another, you must cite the source using either a parenthetical citation, footnote, or endnote. In …

How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA 9: Guidelines and Examples 17 May 2024 · Firstly, it begins with a comprehensive definition of a dictionary. Then, the guide deconstructs the main elements of a dictionary Works Cited entry. Also, the manual highlights …

How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA Style - Format & Examples 5 Jun 2024 · MLA dictionary citations include the defined word, italicized dictionary title, edition (if applicable), publisher, and publication date. For online dictionaries, add the URL and access …

All Guides: MLA Style (9th ed.): Encyclopedias & Dictionaries 28 Jan 2025 · How do I cite an article in a reference book? If I use a dictionary to translate a source, do I need to cite the dictionary? Your professor may have different citing expectations …

MLA Style Guide, 9th Edition: Works Cited Examples 18 Feb 2025 · Examples in this guide are from the MLA Manual and the librarian. Use the drop-down box under 'Works Cited Examples' to find the example that you need. << Previous: …

How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in MLA - TypeCite 9 May 2024 · When referencing a dictionary entry in MLA style, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure clarity and consistency. This article provides a step by step guide on how …

MLA dictionary citation generator & examples | Chegg Writing 1 Feb 2021 · To cite a dictionary in MLA style, it is helpful to know basic information including the dictionary name, definition word, accessed date, and URL. The templates and examples below …

Citing a Dictionary Entry in MLA Style | Format & Examples - Scribbr 1 Jul 2021 · In MLA style, a Works Cited entry for a dictionary entry usually starts with the title of the entry—since dictionaries usually don’t list authors. The example below shows how to cite …

Citing A Dictionary Entry Mla