10 Best Dictionary Apps for iPhone/iPad in 2024

Linguistics isn’t easy to master. When one thinks that he/she has become an expert in one grammar rule, a wide range of other rules pops up. Similarly, when we think that we’ve learnt the meaning of some word but it turns out that there are 5 other connotations of the same word. That’s the reason you must give excessive time to any language if you’re in a learning phase. However, we are living in a digital age and learning has comparatively much faster. Almost every individual has a smartphone and they can install a dictionary in it. The iPhones have an inbuilt dictionary install in it. To use that, you can simply click on the word to highlight it and then click on Look Up from the action menu to find its definition. This is an easy and quick method of finding the meanings of words for most people. However, it does have some limitations. In light of some feedback, the result of the words often get mixed up with Wikipedia suggestions, and also it doesn’t provide a definition for every app. Fortunately, there are some third-party apps for the iPhone that can find the meanings and definitions of the words for you. So, here are the 10 best dictionary apps for iPhone/iPad.

10 Best Dictionary Apps for iPhone/iPad

1) Oxford Dictionary:

Oxford dictionary is apparently the most sold dictionary of the world. It is also regarded as one of the best dictionaries for finding meanings of words and definitions. The app version adds even extra features to the dictionary. Users can find the meaning of any word in fourteen different languages or they can also translate on the go. The oxford dictionary has nearly five million words and definitions which makes it one the most extensive dictionaries out there.

Besides that, you get features like offline mode, audio pronunciation, advanced search, and you can also make a list of priorly searched words. The Oxford Dictionary app is completely free to download.

Some of the rich features of the oxford dictionary app are listed below:

The app contains the latest word database from Oxford University Press. It has more than 350,000 words, phrases, and meanings. Furthermore, the oxford dictionary app has 75,000+ audio pronunciations which also includes those words which have variable pronunciations. Furthermore, another aspect that makes it one of the best dictionaries for the iPhone is the modern understanding of how a particular word is used in expressions by the indigenous speaker. The oxford dictionary app also has a Fuzzy search feature that allows you to search for a word even if you don’t know the exact spellings of the word.

The Oxford dictionary app for iOS also allows you to easily look up topic-specific content. In addition to that, the ‘word of the day’ feature in the dictionary app enables the users to improve their vocabulary by learning a new word each day. So for all those users who want to improve their pronunciation and vocabulary, this is certainly the best dictionary for them.

To download the dictionary app, click here.

2) Merriam Webster:

Merriam-Webster provides more than just words and definitions, unlike its counterpart Oxford Dictionary. Users would be able to learn an array of new words, jargons, and definitions.  Also, it adds more content to your vocabulary with a curated list of words in the notification button. It allows you to look for a word through your voice. The most useful and best part of the Merriam-Webster dictionary is that users can use it in offline mode without the internet. It implies that no matter if you are away from an active internet connection, you can still search for words, just like a real paperback.

Some of the features of the Merriam Webster dictionary app are listed below:

The Merriam Webster app features vocabulary improvement quizzes which are really interesting and helps the users in improving their vocabulary on a daily basis. Another feature that might fascinate you is the voice search, which enables you to search for a word without spelling it. Like all other best dictionary apps, Merriam Webster also has the word-of-the-day feature which allows you to learn a new word each day.

Furthermore, this dictionary app encompasses an integrated thesaurus thus you can find synonyms and antonyms on the app. One another which I really liked about this brilliant app is the example word sentences, which enables us to learn how a word is used in context. In addition to that, the audio pronunciations are voiced by real English speakers in contrast to the other app apps which use text-to-speech robots for pronouncing the words. All of these features make it one of the best dictionary apps for the iPhone.

You can store your desired words in the app to see them at any other time, and even access it from Apple Watch. Merriam-Webster Dictionary is completely free to use and download.

To download the dictionary app, click here.

3) Concise English Dictionary:

Currently, the Concise English Dictionary and Thesaurus have a database of over 4.9 million words stored in the concise English dictionary. In addition to that,  there is no internet connection required in order to use the Concise English Dictionary application. There are no in-app purchases and no ads in the application, what you see is what you get. In my opinion, the best feature of the Concise English Dictionary is its simple and smart user interface along with a unique layout. There is also an advanced version of the Concise English Dictionary available for iPhone for those that need a more in-depth study of words. However, the app is not free and you can buy it for $2.99.

Some of the exciting features of this app are listed below:

The best thing about the Concise English Dictionary is that it incorporates one of the largest English dictionary databases. It has more than 591,700 entries and nearly 5 million words on its database. Certainly, it’s humungous. Furthermore, you can enjoy high-quality audio pronunciations on the app that are available in the US, British and Australian English, in both male and female voices in addition to the 130,000+ pronunciation guides in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Another feature that is provided for the pronunciation purpose is the Content sensitive IPA pronunciation symbol assistance.

The app also provides clear and exact definitions of the words along with the word-of-the-day feature. In addition to that, the Concise English Dictionary encompasses biographical and geographical data, technical and scientific terms, idioms, prepositions, conjunctions, determiners, interjections, abbreviations, contractions, common misspellings, irregular forms, and even ancient English words which makes it one of the most-used dictionary apps for iPhone.

To download the dictionary app, click here.

4) Urban Dictionary:

This is regarded as the best dictionary to learn pop slang. As you may know, slang is continually evolving and changing. Probably, the urban dictionary is the only place where you can look for the meanings of nearly all the slang in the world. The application of the urban dictionary is more of a stripped-down version of the website. You can look for slang with just a simplistic search and get the meaning, phonetic representation, and an exemplary sentence for it. The urban dictionary app is completely free to download.

Some of the features of the Urban dictionary app are listed below:

 Urban Dictionary is also known as the people-powered slang dictionary. The best thing about this amazing dictionary app is that it lets you perform unlimited searches for free as long as you like. No charges will be incurred upon you even if you use it forever. The database contains both slang and non-slang words but there is an abundance of slang words. So for those who wish to learn slang, this is certainly the best app for them.

Another interesting feature of this app is that it lets you vote for definitions you like. You can also share the definitions or meaning of words on Facebook, Twitter, email, and other services directly from the app. There is an autocomplete feature that gives you suggestions when you search for any word or phrase.

To download the app, click here.

5) Word Vault:

Word Vault is not only an English dictionary application but also a site for users to keep a record of all the words they could possibly desire. Search for definitions, attach notes, and do a wide range of other exciting things on this app. The app also has URL support so you can easily search for words inside other apps and save them. The app works without an internet connection but if you are online the library of words gets expanded. The word vault dictionary app is completely free to download.

Some of the features of this app are listed below:

The best feature of the Urban dictionary for me is that it lets you play engaging games through which you can learn and memorize different words and definitions. Afterwards, the word or definition gets saved in its database and you can open it for revision at any time. In addition to that, there are time-saving tools for carrying out smart work.

Furthermore, the app also allows you to sync content and data between different devices & enables you to view or print the data online. Previously, there were some complaints related to the user interface, and bugs were reported during the course of the games. However, in the updated version of the app, these issues have been fixed. Now the app comes with an improved and user-friendly interface and users won’t have to deal with bugs while playing the games on the app.

To download the app, click here.

6) WordBook Dictionary:

WordBook is one of the most extensive dictionaries available in-app store with five other online dictionaries enhancing its existing content. You can also bookmark your favorite words. In addition to that, there is an option of advanced search, you can find root etymologies,  and also get spelling suggestions. Though one of the best features of this app is the Word of the day that provides you with a new word to learn on daily basis and another exciting feature lets you shake your iPhone to get a new word along with its definition.

Some of the features of the app are listed below:

One of the best features of the WordBook dictionary app is that it has professionally recorded pronunciation for each word. In addition to that, it also provides the users with word origin information which is quite handy at times.  The app also has a reputable built-in spell checker which provides the most precise spelling suggestions to its users. Users can also bookmark any words or sentences and can make notes of them. The thing which I really liked about this app is that it has a powerful word puzzle solver.

The app has around 150,000 entries and over 220,000 definitions on its vast database. Furthermore, the wordbook dictionary app contains 120,000 pronunciation guides in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and other notations. The app also has a built-in thesaurus along with the word links that connect words semantically.

To download the app, click here.

7) Kids Picture Dictionary:

If your little son or daughter is starting to use words other than ‘mama’ and ‘daddy’ then this is a great app to build their vocabulary. There are an array of bright and vivid pictures to capture and keep your child’s attention towards it. Also, a wide range of words allows your siblings to learn together. On top of all that, children can have some extra fun by recording their own pronunciation guides. The app is completely free to download.

Some of the features of the Kids Picture Dictionary app are listed below:

The Kids dictionary for iPhone is regarded as one of the best dictionary apps for school children. The app uses an exciting method for building a strong English vocabulary for preschoolers and toddlers. The Kids Picture Dictionary has over 650 high-quality images with text and voiceovers. The fun self-record tool allows parents and children to repeat the sentences or make their own sentences. Complexity of words is suitable for ages 3 to 6 so two or more young siblings can play together and learn from each other.

So if you have small children in your home then you must download this A to Z Picture dictionary with an array of words and sentences for children to learn from. The users also have the option to upgrade to an Ad-free app with instant In-App purchase. Nevertheless, this is the best dictionary app for kids.

To download the app, click here.

8) Science Dictionary:

If you’re an enrolled student and have any discipline related to science, maths, geometry etc. then surely this dictionary is the best and most suitable choice for you. The Science Dictionary application has more than 100,000 scientific terms and jargons along with their meanings and 35000+  audio pronunciations. And it’s not just about the definitions and audio pronunciations but you also get access to diagrams, illustrations, and pictures of the words you’re searching for.

Some of the features of this app are listed below:

The science dictionary is one of the best dictionary apps for the student community. This free science dictionary app can assist you in finding clear, in-depth definitions of science terminologies and jargons in the palm of your hand.  The users can also save bundles of bookmarks which lets them quick access to the required documents. There is a native voice search feature that enables you to search a word just by uttering it.

The search suggestions will also be provided as you type, along with that you also have the option to view your recent searches. The best thing about this dictionary app is that and there is no locked content and no extra subscriptions are required.  You just need to launch the app on your iPhone or iPad and access all content.

To download the app, click here.

9) Legal Dictionary:

Instead of searching the internet for definitions of legal jargons and terms, you can use the Legal Dictionary application to find all the legal terms, jargons and procedures. Therefore, this app is best suited for law students and affiliates. You can acquire access to more than 14500 legal terms and jargons, that constitute US law and constitution, precedences, and some other important legal cases. For example, you can type in a legal phrase like “hostile witness” and the dictionary would provide a brief description word with context. The app is completely free to download however you can remove ads for $0.99.

Some of the features of the legal dictionary app are as follows:

Legal Dictionary by Farlex is the most-used app by attorneys as it provides them with free, and instant access to a large number of legal terms.  In addition to that, there are 13,500 audio pronunciations from authoritative sources trusted by the lawyers’ community, including West’s Encyclopedia of American Law. So whether you’re an attorney or a law student, this free legal dictionary app can assist you in finding clear, in-depth definitions of legal jargons.

This app is regarded as a huge asset for anyone going to court. By using this app, you can avoid much trouble  because the definitions that are used by the court are far different from the definitions of the normal everyday language which we use in our daily routine.

To download the app, click here.

10) BBC Learning:

The BBC Learning English website is packed with resources for every level of the English language, and now it’s even available in the form of an app. The programs fluctuate widely, so whether you wish to brush up on business English or enhance your language whilst keeping up with the news, then its app is the best possible option. As a plus point, there are even some lessons that arrive on the application before the website. The app is completely free to download.

Some of the features of the BBC Learning dictionary are as follows:

The BBC learning app allows you to download audio programs that you can download so that you can listen to them as often as you need whether you have an internet connection or not. Another good feature of this app allows the users to receive push notifications, a unique identifier connecting to your device will be stored by Urban Airship for BBC to provide you with the service. Though, you can choose to disable notifications from the BBC Learning English app in your phone’s ‘Settings’ if you don’t want the notifications to pop up all the time.

To download the app, click here.

Conclusion:

The aforementioned list is based on an updated survey. If you like our list or have any queries regarding it, do share them in the comment section!

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