Which English Dictionary is Best for You? - We Reviewed 9 Popular Online Dictionaries

Which dictionary do you use? Do you have suggestions to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

Contents:
Intro 00:00 - 02:46
Cambridge 02:46 - 03:51
Longman 03:51 - 05:32
Collins 06:24 - 07:35
Lexico 07:35 - 08:48
Macmillan 08:48 - 09:29
Chambers 10:52 - 11:33
Merriam-Webster 11:33

This lesson will help you:
- See the pros and cons of nine popular online English dictionaries.
- See how each dictionary ranks in terms of the complete definition it gives.
- Understand which dictionaries give you definitions of phrasal verbs, collocations and idioms related to the word you look up.
- Get an understanding for the dictionaries that explain the difference between UK and US pronunciation and usage.
- Learn which English dictionaries explain verb structures and complements.
- See English dictionary reviews that rank how well you can look up phrasal verbs and idioms directly.
- Understand which dictionaries present information in a clear, organized way and have a user-friendly site.

[Oxfordonlineenglish]

Which dictionary do you use? Do you have suggestions to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

[keatkhamjornmeekanon]

I bought both Oxford and Cambridge Advanced Learner's, Longman's Dictionary of Contemporary English and Oxford Concise and Meriam-Webster Collegiate. I found that Longman is easiest to use. When I switch to on-line dictionaries, I find the same thing. I really appreciate this video.

[Mohamedalijama]

Longman dictionary was my favourite since high school. It is simple and well structured.

[HaiwangYuan]

Thank you! One feature of Collins I like is that it tells you whether a noun is countable and uncountable, which is very useful to learners of English.

[rayleung]

Thanks for the informative review.
One thing that the Cambridge does better than the other ones is it has a 'Contents' list at the bottom left which allows you to look very quickly for the specific one definition you want.
If you search for words like 'get' or 'go' which have loads of definitions by themselves, you will be thankful for such navigation pane so you don't have to scroll all the way down.
Longman will be prefect if it has such feature.

[pavia]

I've used both Longman and Cambridge dictionaries, but I haven't noticed these differences. Thank you for your precious piece of information ❤❤❤

[franciscopena]

I use them all. Sometimes even in advanced dictionaries there are no references, so I have to look up definitions and examples in the other dictionaries. I never underestimate any.

[SalaamKikhwa]

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary is by far the best dictionary of upper-intermediate/Advanced learners of English. I love Longman dictionary because it has a simple thesaurus and everyday English use section besides it contain almost all the vocabulary in English. I tried to find a good thesaurus but I couldn't find better than Lexico thesaurus. I believe that Lexico/Oxford dictionary and Merriam Webster are made for native English speakers not of ESL learners. Personally, I use OALD and LDOCE dictionaries.

[mrjqhcw]

Thank you so much for such precious information! I've just tried Lexico and it's really amazing. I also like using Longman and Cambridge though Cambridge -as you've mentioned - doesn't always provides us with ALL necessary collocations or phrasals. It seems to me I'm going to fall in true love with Lexico))

[zahemi]

This is such a great coincidence, I have been relying on Oxford or McMillian physical dicts for decades up to my post grad years and working life. I will be doing a professional course and I have been looking online dicts that have all what Longman and Lexico would provide. Thank you so much for the information.

[sporoy]

Another feature can be included in tests which is important for me is the simplicity and plainness of the definitions. In some dictionaries you have to look up 3-4 more words to understand the definition of the intended word. It's better to have the definitions composed with common words as much as possible and not to have readers to lookup more words (those more words can require also other jumps). I have used Macmillian dictionary for years, because of the simplicity of their definitions, but sadly they have closed their online dictionary service 6 months ago.

[kaiseranowar]

I have never heard of Longman until now, I always use the Cambridge dictionary. Maybe it's time to switch

[gemucca]

What about the Oxford Learner's Dictionary?

[dovic]

Wordreference is pretty good in its bilingual version, you can find phrasal verbs and even some idiomatic expressions. Each entry also includes related discussions in the forum, which can provides further, more specific information.

[jameskoh]

Thank you very much for your research and sharing the info. I'm using Cambridge and found it inadequate but did not have the time to research to find better ones. I am taking your advice and switching to Longman. Once again a big thank you.

[shanekudagama]

i used all those dictionaries depending on the time i needed

[sunkaraeliya]

What about Oxford advanced learner's dictionary?

[anasteach]

My favorite dictionary is Longman, yet I still using Cambridge sometimes. Cambridge does a good job of writing clear definitions for less commonly used vocabulary.

[Neo-Reloaded]

Cambridge is the best dictionary for me. It has both American and British definitions. When I don't find a word in Cambridge I go to urban dictionary. This means that it's probably a slang term.

[insmjyh]

A part from dictionaries I liked the way you spoke loud and clear as well as nice grip on accent.