Best Teen & Young Adult Dictionaries of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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Teen and Young Adult Dictionaries are essential learning tools for students who are looking to enhance their vocabulary and language skills. These dictionaries are designed specifically for young learners and provide clear and concise definitions of words that are commonly used in everyday conversation, as well as in academic and professional settings. They also include helpful features such as pronunciation guides, word origins, and example sentences to help students understand how to use words correctly in different contexts. With a Teen and Young Adult Dictionary, students can expand their knowledge and confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in English.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary, Newest Edition | The Authoritative High School Dictionary Cover #TOP 1
Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary, Newest Edition | The Authoritative High School Dictionary
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition Cover #TOP 2
Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar: Your all-in-one guide to Latin (Collins Dictionary & Grammar) (Latin and English Edition) Cover #TOP 3
Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar: Your all-in-one guide to Latin (Collins Dictionary & Grammar) (Latin and English Edition)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Teen & Young Adult Dictionaries

#TOP 1

Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary, Newest Edition | The Authoritative High School Dictionary

Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Jul 1, 2019
Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary, Newest Edition | The Authoritative High School Dictionary Cover
Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary, Newest Edition | The Authoritative High School Dictionary

The Merriam-Webster's School Dictionary, Newest Edition is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary that caters to high school students aged 14 and up. With over 100,000 definitions and 28,000 usage examples, it is an excellent resource for building vocabulary and communication skills. It includes new vocabulary such as cybercrime, farro, and off-grid, among others, making it a relevant tool for today's students. The dictionary also features special sections like Biographical Names, Geographical Names, and Signs and Symbols, making it a valuable study tool for college test preparation. Overall, this dictionary is an excellent resource for students, and its comprehensive features make it stand out from other dictionaries.

Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition

Hidalgo, Pablo
Reynolds, David
Luceno, James
Windham, Ryder
Fry, Jason
DK
Sep 18, 2018
Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition Cover
Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition

The Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition is a comprehensive guide to the galaxy far, far away. It features over 1,500 images of major and minor characters, creatures, vehicles, weapons, and more. The engaging text provides in-depth analysis of the different aspects of the Star Wars universe, from Padmé Amidala's costumes to Darth Vader's armor. The book is fully updated to include the latest installments of the Skywalker saga and is a must-have for both beginners and die-hard fans. The book's unique feature is its unparalleled detail and stunning photography.

#TOP 3

Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar: Your all-in-one guide to Latin (Collins Dictionary & Grammar) (Latin and English Edition)

Collins Dictionaries
Collins
Feb 11, 2016
Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar: Your all-in-one guide to Latin (Collins Dictionary & Grammar) (Latin and English Edition) Cover
Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar: Your all-in-one guide to Latin (Collins Dictionary & Grammar) (Latin and English Edition)

The Collins Latin Dictionary and Grammar is a comprehensive guide to Latin for students and anyone who needs quick access to a dictionary and grammar reference. This book includes a Latin to English and English to Latin dictionary along with a user-friendly Latin grammar guide. It covers the vocabulary of texts read in school and university and presents detailed verb tables for 120 regular verbs and over 300 irregular verbs. The clear layout ensures that users can find the information they need quickly and easily. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone studying Latin.

#TOP 4

The Handbook of Japanese Verbs

Redding, John
Hattori Publishing
Sep 1, 2015
The Handbook of Japanese Verbs Cover
The Handbook of Japanese Verbs

The Handbook of Japanese Verbs is a comprehensive reference book containing over 2,800 verbs and 4,100 synonyms, making it an essential guide for mastering the Japanese language. The book is organized by kanji stroke count, making it easy for learners to create visual connections between similar concepts. With example sentences for each verb and intermediate to high-level adjectives and adverbs, learners will be able to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. The inclusion of review sections, conjugation charts, and a Japanese Thesaurus with over 4,100 synonyms makes this book a valuable resource for those preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 exam. Overall, this handbook is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their Japanese language skills.

#TOP 5

The New First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: What Your Child Needs to Know

Hirsch Professor, E. D.
Mariner Books
Aug 30, 2004
The New First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: What Your Child Needs to Know Cover
The New First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy: What Your Child Needs to Know

The New First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy by E. D. Hirsch Jr. is the perfect reference book for children to become literate in mythology, literature, US history, science, and technology. With nearly 3,000 concise definitions, this sourcebook is a one-stop homework helper and family reference for children from the beginning of the first grade to the end of the sixth. The latest edition reflects the important changes that have occurred in the world since 1991, making this book an essential tool for children's education and success. Overall, this book is a must-have for parents and educators who want to ensure that children have the necessary knowledge to succeed in school and beyond.

#TOP 6

English Visual Dictionary

Collins Dictionaries
Collins
May 1, 2020
English Visual Dictionary Cover
English Visual Dictionary

The English Visual Dictionary by Collins is a pocket-sized book that serves as an excellent travel companion and guide to life and culture in the UK. It contains 3000 key words and phrases arranged in themes with up-to-date images to illustrate each one. The book covers topics such as food and drink, work and school, shopping, sport and leisure, transport, technology, and the environment. The book has a helpful index that enables the reader to find words quickly. The book is unique because it represents modern British culture and enhances the reader's experience of Britain and its people. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their English vocabulary and understanding of British culture.

#TOP 7

Oxford School Dictionary 2011

Oxford Dictionaries
Oxford University Press
Jul 18, 2013
Oxford School Dictionary 2011 Cover
Oxford School Dictionary 2011

The Oxford School Dictionary 2011 is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary for students. With over 45,000 words and phrases in alphabetical order, each entry contains clear numbered meanings, word classes, and supporting example sentences. The dictionary also includes word origins and a guide to using the dictionary effectively. The page design is clear and straightforward, with guide words and an alphabet tab for easy navigation. Additionally, the dictionary includes prefixes, suffixes, and words and phrases from around the world. Overall, the Oxford School Dictionary is an essential resource for students, and it is highly recommended.

#TOP 8

Longman Basic Dictionary of American English Paper

Longman
Pearson Education ESL
Aug 4, 1999
Longman Basic Dictionary of American English Paper Cover
Longman Basic Dictionary of American English Paper

The Longman Basic Dictionary of American English Paper is a great tool for students who want to improve their English language skills. With over 10,000 words and phrases clearly explained, students can be sure to understand the explanations. The dictionary uses the 2,000-word Longman Defining Vocabulary, making it easy for students to comprehend. The fun cartoons and clear design make it a pleasure to use. The book also includes exercises to help students get the most out of their dictionary. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for students looking to improve their English language skills.

#TOP 9

What's That as Gaeilge: An English-Irish Phrasebook (Irish and Multilingual Edition)

Bannister, Garry
New Island Books
Aug 6, 2019
What's That as Gaeilge: An English-Irish Phrasebook (Irish and Multilingual Edition) Cover
What's That as Gaeilge: An English-Irish Phrasebook (Irish and Multilingual Edition)

What's That as Gaeilge: An English-Irish Phrasebook is a helpful guide for those looking to improve their spoken and written Irish skills. The book provides colorful and exciting Irish equivalents to the most common idioms in everyday English, many of which have cultural and philosophical significance. Written by Garry Bannister, who has authored several books on the Irish language, this phrasebook is an ideal resource for anyone interested in the beauty and rhythm of the modern Irish language. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the collection of those who want to learn and appreciate the Irish language and culture.

#TOP 10

Collins Mandarin Chinese Dictionary: Essential Edition

Collins Dictionaries
Collins
Jun 1, 2020
Collins Mandarin Chinese Dictionary: Essential Edition Cover
Collins Mandarin Chinese Dictionary: Essential Edition

The Collins Mandarin Chinese Dictionary: Essential Edition is an extensive and up-to-date dictionary that offers 28,000 translations to learners at home, school or in the office. It is designed for all those studying Mandarin Chinese who need maximum information in a handy travel format. The dictionary includes Pinyin for all Chinese headwords, translations, phrases and examples to help with the pronunciation of Chinese words. It also contains a radical index and both simplified and traditional Chinese characters. This dictionary is a must-have for Mandarin Chinese learners and travelers who want to communicate effectively.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best dictionary for adults?

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 teen & young adult dictionary research, we found 156 teen & young adult dictionary products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,380 customer reviews through our big data system to write the teen & young adult dictionaries list. We found that most customers choose teen & young adult dictionaries with an average price of $13.22.

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.