How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in APA Format

Citing a dictionary entry in APA format requires the entry word, the dictionary name, the publisher, and the URL for online dictionaries. Dictionary citations differ from book citations because you cite the specific entry rather than the entire work.

Basic Dictionary Entry Citation Format

The standard APA 7th edition format for a dictionary entry is:

Reference list entry:

Entry word. (n.d.). In Dictionary name. Publisher. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://www.example.com/entry

Parenthetical in-text citation: (“Entry Word,” n.d.)

Narrative in-text citation: The definition of “entry word” (“Entry Word,” n.d.)

In-Text Citation Examples

When you reference a dictionary entry within your paper, you have two options:

• Parenthetical: The term has multiple accepted meanings (“Empathy,” n.d.).
• Narrative: According to the Merriam-Webster definition of “empathy” (“Empathy,” n.d.), the term refers to understanding another’s feelings.

Common Variations

Online Dictionary (Merriam-Webster)

Include a retrieval date because online dictionary entries may be updated over time.

Resilience. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster dictionary. Retrieved March 31, 2026, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilience

Print Dictionary

For print dictionaries, include the edition and page number. Omit the URL.

Cognition. (2014). In The American Heritage dictionary of the English language (5th ed., p. 350). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Specialized or Subject-Specific Dictionary

Author, A. A. (Year). Entry word. In A. B. Editor (Ed.), Title of specialized dictionary (pp. xx-xx). Publisher.

Tips for Citing Dictionary Entries

• Include a retrieval date for online dictionaries because definitions may change.
• Use (n.d.) when no publication date is provided, which is common for online dictionaries.
• Do not italicize the entry word. Only the dictionary name is italicized.
• Capitalize the entry word at the start of the reference, following standard APA formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cite a dictionary if I am just defining a common word? If you directly quote or closely paraphrase a specific dictionary definition, you should cite it. For commonly understood terms, a citation may not be necessary.

How do I cite a dictionary entry with a named author? List the author’s name first, followed by the year and entry word, then the dictionary name and publisher.

Should I include the publisher for online dictionaries? If the publisher and the dictionary name are the same, you may omit the publisher to avoid redundancy.