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Dictionaries & Reference Books

Learn a new language easily and quickly improve your vocabulary by getting the right set of dictionaries. These are books and software containing words, their definitions, and sample sentences. You can use them as reference books to quickly look up rare and difficult words as well as unfamiliar expressions. Staples® carries a wide selection of dictionaries in both print and digital forms as a part of our education and school supplies.

Pick From Different Types of Dictionaries
The first factor to consider when looking for a dictionary is language. Make sure it is in a language you can read. Monolingual lexicons are the most popular. If you are learning a new language, get a bilingual edition. Monolingual editions are usually more advanced and provide wider collections of words, example sentences, idioms, and phrasal verbs. Bilingual ones are simpler and mostly serve as translators and introductions to second languages.

There are two types of monolingual lexicons: those meant for native speakers and those written for learners. Learner editions contain simpler explanations and other aids to help readers quickly understand a second language. Editions for native speakers contain more rare words with concise explanations and fewer example sentences.

Choose Between Print and Electronic Dictionaries
Print lexicons usually come in thick tomes that sit on desks and bookshelves. There are also slim, pocket editions but these have smaller word libraries and are best for quick references. Digital lexicons offer the large and rich word libraries of big print editions without the bulk. They are available in different forms including CD or DVD discs you can read with your computer, apps for smartphones and tablets, online resources hosted on the web, and dedicated devices called PEDs.

PEDs or Personal Electronic Dictionaries are handheld devices that typically feature flip-up screens and keyboards. They have internal flash memories that can store multiple lexicons, thesauruses, translators, and encyclopedias. Digital lexicons are easier to search than print editions. They also offer audio recordings that can help learners with word pronunciations. It is also possible to update most of them with new words and definitions. Print lexicons, on the other hand, do not require separate devices, the internet, or electricity to work. You can use them anywhere and for as long as you want.

Should You Own Multiple Dictionaries?
Yes. You should have at least two lexicons and from different publishers. Doing this will give you access to a larger word library. If one provides an unclear definition for a word, you can consult the other for a more detailed explanation. Choose a learners' lexicon if you already have a general-use or native speaker edition.

Are There Special-Use Dictionaries?
You can often find dictionaries and children's books combined with other reference sources. One common combination is a dictionary and thesaurus in one book. Dictionaries designed for kids of varying ages are popular and helpful for teaching and research. Other special options include rhyming volumes, synonyms and antonyms, and ones that help teach spelling and phonics.

Are There Field-Specific Dictionaries?
Yes. Lexicons dedicated to specific fields only have words used by people in those disciplines. They provide a more in-depth explanation of terms and use technical words that are familiar to those studying or practicing in those fields. Common examples include law and medical dictionaries. More Less
Houghton Mifflin Webster's New Pocket Dictionary, 3rd Edition, Paperback, 336 Pages
Houghton Mifflin Webster's New Pocket Dictionary, 3rd Edition, Paperback, 336 Pages
Item : HOU1019934 / Model : HOU1019934
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  • Webster's New Pocket Dictionary
  • Dictionary measures 3 12" x 5 12" x 12"
  • A concise, authoritative, easy-to-carry dictionary of key English vocabulary with 24,000 words
4.59 $4.59
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Edupress® My Own Books™ My Spelling Dictionary
Edupress® My Own Books™ My Spelling Dictionary
Item : 842098 / Model : EP-111
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 3 - 8 and grades pre school - 2nd
  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
21.99 $21.99
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Merriam Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus, Hardcover (AVT-FSP0467)
Merriam Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus, Hardcover (AVT-FSP0467)
Item : MERFSP0471 / Model : FSP0471
(4)
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  • Combination dictionary and thesaurus with synonyms printed below definitions.
  • Package Includes: Include one all-in-one dictionary.
  • Brand: Merriam Webster
15.49 $15.49
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Merriam-Webster® Thesaurus (MW-8508)
Merriam-Webster® Thesaurus (MW-8508)
Item : 931725 / Model : MW-8508
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 9+ and grades 8th & up
  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
21.79 $21.79
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Houghton Mifflin® Webster's II Notebook Dictionary, 3rd Edition
Houghton Mifflin® Webster's II Notebook Dictionary, 3rd Edition
Item : 842057 / Model : AH9780618611829
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  • Features more than 35,000 concise and up-to-date definitions in a handy three-hole punch format
  • A punctuation guide, as well as metric conversion and measurement tables, makes this an ideal reference for school or office use
  • 8 1/2" x 11"
13.99 $13.99
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Merriam-Webster® Rhyming Dictionary, 2nd Edition
Merriam-Webster® Rhyming Dictionary, 2nd Edition
Item : 848771 / Model : MW-8540
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  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
  • Format: paperback
14.99 $14.99
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Merriam-Webster Elementary Dictionary, New Edition, Hardcover
Merriam-Webster Elementary Dictionary, New Edition, Hardcover
Item : 1610037 / Model : MW-6763
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  • Published by Merriam Webster on 08/31/2013
  • Written by Merriam-Webster
  • Comprises of 824 pages in hardcover format for easy handling
20.49 $20.49
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Merriam-Webster® Pocket Thesaurus
Merriam-Webster® Pocket Thesaurus
Item : 895586 / Model : MW-524X
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  • To aid in literacy and to build language skills
  • A thesaurus that fits in the palm of your hand
  • More than 85,000 words are featured in this compact compendium of synonyms, related words, and antonyms
26.39 $26.39
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Webster's 769615902 English/Spanish Dictionary
Webster's 769615902 English/Spanish Dictionary
Item : 806234 / Model : 0769615902
(3)
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  • Product Type: Dictionary
  • Dimensions: (H x W x L) 0.61" x 5" x 7.7"
  • Grade: 6th to 12th grade
3.89 $3.89
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Merriam-Webster® Intermediate Dictionary
Merriam-Webster® Intermediate Dictionary
Item : 849029 / Model : MW-6978
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  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
  • Format: paperback
19.99 $19.99
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt American Heritage® Spanish Dictionary, 2nd Ed, Office Ed, Paperback, 640 Pages, 4 1/5"W x 6 7/8"L
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt American Heritage® Spanish Dictionary, 2nd Ed, Office Ed, Paperback, 640 Pages, 4 1/5"W x 6 7/8"L
Item : 440572 / Model : H21079
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  • Features American English and Latin American Spanish
  • Over 7,000 words and phrases with synounyms and example sentences
  • 640 pages
10.99 $10.99
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Merriam-Webster's First Dictionary
Merriam-Webster's First Dictionary
Item : 934622 / Model : MW-2741
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 5 - 7 years and grade kindergarten - 2nd
  • Language: English
  • Subject: Language arts
18.69 $18.69
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My Phonics Dictionary, Each
My Phonics Dictionary, Each
Item : 874862 / Model : EP-112
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 3 - 8 and grades pre-school - 2nd
  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
5.79 $5.79
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Merriam-Webster® Spanish English Visual Dictionary, Flexible Paperback
Merriam-Webster® Spanish English Visual Dictionary, Flexible Paperback
Item : 934876 / Model : MW-2925
(1)
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  • Language: Spanish, English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
  • Format: Flexible Paperback
26.39 $26.39
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Houghton Mifflin® Webster's New Roget's Thesaurus Book, Office Edition
Houghton Mifflin® Webster's New Roget's Thesaurus Book, Office Edition
Item : 842141 / Model : AH9780618955923
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  • Combines the most useful features of a thesaurus and a dictionary
  • An easy-to-use alphabetical arrangement
  • The only work providing definitions and usage guidance for accurate synonym choice
15.79 $15.79
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Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms
Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms
Item : 871804 / Model : MW-9061
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 9+ and grades 8th & up
  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
8.29 $8.29
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American Heritage Picture Dictionary
American Heritage Picture Dictionary
Item : 139136 / Model : AH9780547659572
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  • Introduces beginning readers to the idea of alphabetical order and prepares them for higher-level dictionaries
  • Vivid illustrations and simple example sentences
  • Helps to explain the meanings of over 900 of the words children encounter most often in their reading and in daily life
13.79 $13.79
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Houghton Mifflin® "Webster's New Roget's Pocket Thesaurus", Grades 7th - 12th (AH9780618953202)
Houghton Mifflin® "Webster's New Roget's Pocket Thesaurus", Grades 7th - 12th (AH9780618953202)
Item : 934759 / Model : AH9780618953202
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 12 - 18+ and grades 7th - 12th
  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Thesaurus
20.99 $20.99
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Merriam-Webster® Collegiate® Thesaurus, 2nd Edition
Merriam-Webster® Collegiate® Thesaurus, 2nd Edition
Item : 895574 / Model : MW-2697
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  • Age group and grade: Ages 14 - 18 and grades 9th - 12th
  • Language: English
  • Dictionaries & reference books type: Dictionary
20.49 $20.49
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American Education Dictionary Resource Book
American Education Dictionary Resource Book
Item : 806247 / Model : 0769633080
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  • Grades 6 - 12
  • A resource of commonly used words and their meanings
  • Designed in a compact size for easy travel
5.69 $5.69
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The Clear And Simple Thesaurus Dictionary
The Clear And Simple Thesaurus Dictionary
Item : 799977 / Model : 9780448443096
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  • Author: Harriet Wittels
  • Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
  • Paperback: 365 pages
13.49 $13.49
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A Dictionary of Modern English Usage: The Classic First Edition (Oxford World's Classics)
A Dictionary of Modern English Usage: The Classic First Edition (Oxford World's Classics)
Item : 520443 / Model : 9780199585892
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  • No. Of Pages: 832 Pages
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Publishing Date: October 28, 2010
14.89 $14.89
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American Heritage Children's Dictionary, Hardcover
American Heritage Children's Dictionary, Hardcover
Item : 1824479 / Model : 9780544336100
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  • Published 2016
  • 886 pages in hardcover
  • 9780544336100
27.99 $27.99
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The New World Spanish/English English/Spanish Dictionary
The New World Spanish/English English/Spanish Dictionary
Item : 492378 / Model : 9780451181688
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  • Author: Salvatore Raimondo
  • Publisher: Signet
  • Paperback: 1376 pages
8.39 $8.39
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