The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Online provides access to the acclaimed second edition 20 volume Oxford English Dictionary and the three volumes of Additions. It adds over 1000 new and revised words each quarter.
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Key content
The OED Online provides definitions to over 500,000 words. It traces words from their first recorded usage through to the modern period using quotations from a wide range of international language sources.
It also uses the international phonetic alphabet to show pronounciation of words, and offers a detailed list of variant spellings.
Search tips
- Do a basic search by entering your word in the find word box.
- Once you have located the word you can also use the pronounciation, spelling, quotations and etymology links to find out more.
- Try an advanced search and search under date, author, quotation or subject.
- You can also narrow your search by choosing from the part of speech filter. Is your word a noun, verb or adjective?
- Looking to expand your vocabulary? Try the word of the day link.
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