Home Explore The English Language Language Questions Questions About Dictionaries

Questions About Dictionaries

Why do some words enter the dictionary while others don't? How did lexicographers research language before computers were invented? Thought of a word you want to see included in the dictionary?

Click on the links below to find out more.

Lexico logo

Why are dictionaries called dictionaries?

Where did the dictionary get its name? We explore why a dictionary is called a dictionary, and what the first book called a dictionary was.

Lexico logo

Why are dictionaries in alphabetical order?

Have you ever wondered why it is that dictionaries list words in alphabetical order? We answer this and your other questions about dictionaries!

Lexico logo

Why do you include vulgar and offensive language in your dictionaries?

Have you ever wondered why our dictionaries include vulgar and offensive language? Our dictionaries are descriptive, and this article explains all.

See more from Language Questions