Best Dictionaries Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 10, 2023

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Dictionaries are an essential tool for anyone who wants to improve their language skills. From beginners to advanced speakers, dictionaries provide a wealth of information on vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. They are available in a wide range of languages and formats, including print and digital versions. Whether you are learning a new language, studying for an exam, or simply looking to improve your communication skills, a dictionary is an indispensable resource. With detailed definitions, examples, and usage tips, dictionaries books are an invaluable tool for anyone looking to expand their language skills.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder Cover #TOP 1
Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Black’s Law Dictionary, 11th Edition (BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY (STANDARD EDITION)) Cover #TOP 2
Black’s Law Dictionary, 11th Edition (BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY (STANDARD EDITION))
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary, New Edition, 2021 Copyright, Mass-Market Paperback (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition) Cover #TOP 3
Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary, New Edition, 2021 Copyright, Mass-Market Paperback (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dictionaries Books

Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Jan 1, 2016
Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder Cover
Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder

The Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set is an affordable and attractive boxed set that includes three best-selling references to help readers build their vocabulary and language skills. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides over 75,000 definitions, while The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus offers over 150,000 word choices with usage guidance. The set also includes Merriam-Webster’s Vocabulary Builder, which is perfect for test preparation as it teaches 3,200 words with quizzes and root words. This set is ideal for home, office, and school use. Overall, this set is an excellent tool for anyone looking to improve their language skills and vocabulary in an affordable way.

Black’s Law Dictionary, 11th Edition (BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY (STANDARD EDITION))

Bryan A. Garner
Thomson Reuters
Jun 10, 2019
Black’s Law Dictionary, 11th Edition (BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY (STANDARD EDITION)) Cover
Black’s Law Dictionary, 11th Edition (BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY (STANDARD EDITION))

Black's Law Dictionary, 11th Edition is the ultimate legal reference work, defining more than 55,000 law-related words and phrases with historical and present-day nuances. This edition introduces 3,500 new terms, including accountability, anticipatory self-defense, cyber force, Islamic law, Jewish law, and more. It also features an extensive bibliography of legal literature and a distinguished lineup of legal talent who have vetted every term for accuracy. Editor in Chief Bryan A. Garner has produced a practical, comprehensive, scholarly, and authoritative dictionary that is a must-have for any law practitioner or student.

Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary, New Edition, 2021 Copyright, Mass-Market Paperback (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition)

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Aug 19, 2021
Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary, New Edition, 2021 Copyright, Mass-Market Paperback (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition) Cover
Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary, New Edition, 2021 Copyright, Mass-Market Paperback (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition)

The Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary is a valuable tool for Spanish-speaking students taking state standardized tests. The dictionary includes over 53,000 entries of core vocabulary in Spanish and English, with a user-friendly format for easy word search. It also features over 2,000 new words from various fields such as science, medicine, technology, and popular culture. This dictionary is an excellent resource for students in grades 3 and up. Overall, the Merriam-Webster's Word-for-Word Spanish-English Dictionary is an essential addition to any student's library.

A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Turabian, Kate L.
Booth, Wayne C.
Colomb, Gregory G.
Williams, Joseph M.
Bizup, Joseph
FitzGerald, William T.
The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff
University of Chicago Press
Apr 16, 2018
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) Cover
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations is a comprehensive guide for students and researchers who need to construct an evidence-based argument, cite their sources, and structure their work logically. The ninth edition includes updated advice on finding and evaluating digital sources, and recognizing the evolving use of software for citation management, graphics, and paper format and submission. The book is fully aligned with the recently released Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition, and offers a three-part structure that covers every step of the research and writing process. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their research and writing skills.

#TOP 5

Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Monolingual Dictionary

Adelson-Goldstein, Jayme
Shapiro, Norma
Oxford University Press
Oct 1, 2016
Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Monolingual Dictionary Cover
Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Monolingual Dictionary

The Oxford Picture Dictionary Third Edition: Monolingual Dictionary is an excellent resource for English language learners. It offers 4,000 English words and phrases with real-life contexts presented within 12 thematic units, including Everyday Language, People, Housing, Food, and Recreation. The revised practice activities prepare students for work, academic study, and citizenship from the very beginning. Pre-reading questions build students' previewing and predicting skills, while high-interest readings promote literacy skills. Post-reading questions support critical thinking and textual analysis. The workbooks at three levels provide multilevel classroom support. Overall, this dictionary is a must-have for English language learners and their teachers.

Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Dictionary (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition)

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster
Nov 1, 2021
Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Dictionary (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition) Cover
Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Dictionary (Multilingual, English and Spanish Edition)

Merriam-Webster's Spanish-English Dictionary is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in both languages. It features up-to-date coverage of essential vocabulary, including 350 new words and meanings from various fields. The bidirectional dictionary contains 80,000 entries and 130,000 translations, with pronunciations given in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The book also includes special sections on numbers, abbreviations, grammar, and verb conjugation. Overall, this comprehensive resource is a must-have for students, teachers, travelers, and language learners of all skill levels.

#TOP 7

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Trade Paperback, Newest Edition

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Jan 1, 2019
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Trade Paperback, Newest Edition Cover
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Trade Paperback, Newest Edition

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Trade Paperback, Newest Edition is a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking to improve their vocabulary. With over 75,000 clear and precise definitions, including new words from various fields, this dictionary is a must-have for every bookshelf. The guide to irregular English verbs, English word roots, and confused & misused words make it an excellent tool for English-language learners. The special features, such as A Handbook of Style, Basic English Grammar, and An Overview of the Internet, make it stand out from other dictionaries. Overall, this dictionary is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their language skills.

Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Visual Dictionary (English, Spanish and Multilingual Edition)

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Oct 31, 2011
Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Visual Dictionary (English, Spanish and Multilingual Edition) Cover
Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Visual Dictionary (English, Spanish and Multilingual Edition)

The Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English Visual Dictionary is an exceptional vocabulary-building resource that features 8,000 detailed, full-color pictures illustrating the meaning of 22,500 terms in both Spanish and English. The dictionary is organized by subject, covering all aspects of life, including astronomy, human beings, plants and gardening, art and architecture, and much more. This book is perfect for teachers, students, parents, and translators alike. Overall, this dictionary is an excellent tool for anyone looking to improve their Spanish or English vocabulary, and its visual approach makes it stand out among other language dictionaries.

Merriam-Webster's French-English Dictionary, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback (English & French Edition) (Multilingual, English and French Edition)

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
May 10, 2023
Merriam-Webster's French-English Dictionary, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback (English & French Edition) (Multilingual, English and French Edition) Cover
Merriam-Webster's French-English Dictionary, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback (English & French Edition) (Multilingual, English and French Edition)

Merriam-Webster's French-English Dictionary, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback is a bilingual guide that effectively communicates in both French and North American English. It features extensive coverage of Canadian French, more than 80,000 entries, and 100,000 translations, making it a perfect tool for teachers, travelers, and language learners of all skill levels. The book also includes special sections on French Grammar, Conjugation of French Verbs, Common French Abbreviations, and French Numbers. With up-to-date coverage of essential current vocabulary, this dictionary is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their French or English language skills.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Jun 9, 2020
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback Cover
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback

The Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus, Newest Edition, Mass-Market Paperback is a must-have for anyone looking for a comprehensive language reference. With over 60,000 dictionary entries and more than 13,500 thesaurus entries, this book is a valuable tool for writers, students, and professionals alike. The newly added words, including "airplane mode," "bucket list," "dystopia," "parkour," and "truther," make the book even more relevant in today's world. The clear and concise word guidance, along with abundant usage examples, makes this book easy to use and understand. Overall, the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their vocabulary and language skills.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I find old dictionaries?

For old dictionaries, you can go to the Gutenberg Project and search for dictionaries. There are some old ones there. An alternative to using dictionaries for investigating meaning change over time is to look at actual examples of how words are used over time.

2. What is the best paperback dictionary?

The Associated Press Stylebook (AP style) and the New York Times prefer Webster's New World College Dictionary.

3. Which is best English dictionary?

Oxford Word of the Year 2021 The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is widely regarded as the accepted authority on the English language. It is an unsurpassed guide to the meaning, history, and pronunciation of 600,000 words— past and present—from across the English-speaking world.

Editor's Notes

During our dictionaries book research, we found 1,000+ dictionaries book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 102,333 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dictionaries books list. We found that most customers choose dictionaries books with an average price of $11.84.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.