Archived - Mac 101: Dictionary

Summary

Your Mac comes with a versatile Dictionary application. It also includes to other reference libraries such as thesaurus, Apple glossary, and Wikipedia. With it, you can find definitions, learn of the word's origin, find synonyms and antonyms, or get encyclopedic knowledge about any subject. Here's how to use Dictionary.

Products Affected

Dictionary, Mac OS X 10.0, Mac OS X 10.1, Mac OS X 10.2, Mac OS X 10.3, Mac OS X 10.4, Mac OS X 10.5, Mac OS X 10.6

This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.

Dictionary provides definitions for just about any English language word.

 

  1. Open Dictionary in the Applications folder.

  2. Select which reference library to use, then type a word or subject in the search box.

  3. A list of matching words appear in the pane below. Select the word you want and press Return or select a different reference library.

  4. If you're having a hard time reading the text, you can click the "Increase font size" button (the bigger "A") or "Decrease font size" button (the smaller "A") to change the font size.

Tip: Want to learn more about Dictionary? Check out the built-in Dictionary Help guide on your Mac (in Dictionary, choose Dictionary Help from the Help menu).

 

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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