How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA
Dictionary – Definitions in print, on a website, or on an online database.
Citing a dictionary entry from a website or print book
Dictionary Citation Structure:
“Title of Entry.” Title of Dictionary, edition (if applicable), Publisher, date published, page number or URL.
*Title note: If the word you are citing includes multiple parts of speech and/or definitions, be sure to include the specific definition you are citing as part of the title. The part of speech should be abbreviated and italicized and included after the word, preceded by a comma. The definition number should follow the part of speech in parentheses.
For example, “Title of entry, Abbreviated part of speech. (Definition number).”
Dictionary Citation Example:
“Food Bank.” Cambridge Dictionary, Cambridge University Press, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/food-bank.
Dictionary In-text Citation Structure:
(“Title of Entry”)
Dictionary In-text Citation Example:
(“Food Bank”)
Published August 10, 2012. Updated May 29, 2021.