Sometimes we just don’t know the meaning of a word we see or read or use. And we wonder when somebody asks us for the meaning of the word we just used (in fact using for long!), and we say – Oh! I understand the meaning of this word, but I just can’t explain it to you. Would you mind googling it or check some dictionary apps or websites?
Well, why should we give that silly answer when we always have some awesome dictionary apps and websites that we can exploit for free, no matter we are offline or online! Let’s dive into the list of a few best dictionary apps and websites available for our Android, iPhone, Windows PC, Apple MacBook, and web as well.
[We hope you are not using Windows or Blackberry phones as these phones suck these days!]Best Dictionary Apps and Websites: Free
Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com is a great site to find the instant meaning of any word. At the Dictionary website, you not only get the word meaning, but you can also get the synonyms of a word just on one click.
At the Dictionary website, you can also sign up for an account and can add frequently usable words in your favorite list to build your vocabulary.
To make the English learning fun, the Dictionary site also has a couple of games like a crossword puzzle to help you learn English in an exciting way. You can also improve your pronunciation skills with its speaking words facility.
Dictionary app is available for Android as well as iPhone. You can install the Dictionary app for free from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Download Dictionary App: Website | Android | iPhone
Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster is one of the oldest and best English dictionary apps. Merriam-Webster describes itself as “America’s most trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation.”
Merriam-Webster provides you an instant search option that makes finding words easy with less typing. You can also enjoy its speaking words facility, which can help you improve your pronunciation skills.
Suppose you didn’t understand the meaning of a word, no worries! You can refer to examples provided to explain the importance of that word to crystal clear it in your mind.
To make your English learning experience even more interesting, you can also play “Word Games” on Merriam-Webster online or its mobile apps for Android and iPhone.
Download Merriam-Webster Dictionary App: Website | Android | iPhone
Google Dictionary
In case you have access to the internet all the time, the easiest way to find the meaning or definition of any word is Google Dictionary.
Google dictionary is not available offline and available only in browsers. To use Google Dictionary, open Google and type “define” before the word you want meaning for, and Google will look up the definition for you.
Besides word meaning, you can use Google Dictionary to translate words from your language to any other language in the world.
Pro Tip: With Google Dictionary chrome extension, you can easily find the meaning of any word as you browse the web. Once you install the Google Dictionary Chrome extension, you can double-tap on any word in your browser. As you double-tap, Google Dictionary will provide the meaning in a pop-up bubble like this:
Use Google Dictionary App: Online | Chrome Extension
Cambridge English Dictionary
Cambridge English Dictionary is one of the most superb and straightforward to use dictionary apps! It has tons of options to fulfill all your Vocabulary needs.
Among other cool dictionary features, Cambridge Dictionary has an Instant search option, semi-bilingual support, sharing options, and speaking words facility.
As you look up a word in Cambridge Dictionary, it also shows you a cloud of related words with font size adjusted as per their popularity. The related word-cloud feature of the Cambridge Dictionary makes your browsing experience quite unique and fun.
Download Cambridge English Dictionary App: Website | Android | iPhone
The Free Dictionary
The Free Dictionary describes itself as “The world’s most comprehensive dictionary.” It is one of the best online dictionaries with a high-speed and instant search option. You just type a word and get an instant result. You can even search for articles on a topic.
To use The Free Dictionary offline, you can download its app for Android or iPhone and sign up for a free account. Once you are logged in, you get access to advanced dictionary features as well.
After logging in, you can bookmark frequently used words to build your word bank and get smart with your English speaking. The Free Dictionary also has an exciting word game called “Word Hub” to help you learn English in an elegant and fun way. So, next time you’re bored, go to The Free Dictionary website or open its dictionary app, and enjoy Word Hub!
Download The Free Dictionary App: Website | Android | iPhone
Oxford Dictionaries
Oxford Dictionaries are probably the best and most reliable online English dictionary powered by Oxford University.
Oxford Dictionary has the most advanced features to save your time and make you a master of English. It has an instant search option too, multilingual support, word list feature, and speaking words facility.
You can also find synonyms of a particular word and many examples on a single word to have a 360-degree understanding if you need it.
While the online version of the Oxford Dictionary app is free to use, you need to pay to use the Oxford Dictionary on your Android smartphone or iPhone in an offline mode.
Download Oxford Dictionary App: Website | Android | iPhone
Macmillan Dictionary
Macmillan Dictionary well deserves its name in top dictionary apps. Macmillan Dictionary provides definitions in very simple language and offers an instant search option for faster word lookup.
Among its self-proclaimed unique features, Macmillan Dictionary offers “unique treatment of metaphor, showing how many ordinary, familiar words and phrases have metaphorical meanings.”
Macmillan Dictionary also shows a list of related words different from synonyms and apart from the thesaurus for each word. Its related word feature makes it easy to find words related to the subject you are working on.
Use Macmillan Dictionary App: Online
Best Dictionary Apps and Websites: Paid
If you are looking for the best dictionary apps that are free to download and use, the above list of free dictionary apps would work great for you.
Most of these dictionary apps also provide an option to upgrade to a paid version and enjoy additional features like ad-free experience, better offline search, unlimited world lookups, etc.
So, get started with the free version of the dictionary apps that you like. And if you don’t mind paying for a dictionary app of your choice, feel free to explore the premium options and enjoy an upgraded learning experience.
What’s your favorite dictionary app?
We hope that the DiLiTe list of best dictionary apps will help you get your favorite dictionary app for your smartphone. And yes, don’t forget to let us know which one you are selecting, with your comments.
In case you don’t know which one to choose out of all these dictionary apps, give all of them a try and choose one that works best for you. In case you use another dictionary app, do let us know with your comments. We will consider including that one in our dictionary apps list with a special thanks to you!
