An Expert Guide On How To Cite A Dictionary In MLA Style

Written By: Kevin L. Ferguson

Published On: June 11,2023

When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial for acknowledging the sources of information and giving credit to the original authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities and liberal arts disciplines for citing various sources, including dictionaries. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step process on how to cite a dictionary in MLA style, ensuring that you adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Whether you are a student working on a research paper or an aspiring writer, this expert guide will help you navigate the intricacies of citing dictionaries accurately.

Before we delve into the specifics of MLA citation for dictionaries, it's important to understand the purpose of citations. Citations not only acknowledge the intellectual property of others but also provide your readers with the means to locate the sources you used. When you use a dictionary in your academic work, it is essential to include a proper citation to demonstrate that you have consulted a reputable source and to provide your readers with the opportunity to verify your information.

To cite a dictionary in MLA style, follow the guidelines outlined below:

Step 1: Identify the Type of Dictionary

MLA style requires you to identify the type of dictionary you are citing, as different dictionaries may have slightly different citation formats. Generally, dictionaries can be categorized as follows:

Print Dictionary: A physical dictionary in book form.
Online Dictionary: A dictionary accessed through a website or online platform.
Database Dictionary: A dictionary accessed through an online database or subscription service.

Step 2: Format the Basic Citation Elements

The MLA citation for a dictionary consists of several key elements, including the entry name, dictionary title, edition, publisher, year of publication, and medium of publication (print or online). The basic format for each type of dictionary is as follows:

Print Dictionary: Last Name, First Name. "Entry Name." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Year. Medium.
Online Dictionary: Last Name, First Name. "Entry Name." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Year. Website Title, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Database Dictionary: Last Name, First Name. "Entry Name." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Year. Database Title, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Step 3: Gather the Specific Information

To cite a dictionary accurately, you need to gather specific information about the dictionary you used. Here is a breakdown of the information you will need for each type of dictionary:

Print Dictionary:

Entry Name: The word or term you looked up.
Dictionary Title: The title of the dictionary as it appears on the cover or title page.
Edition: The edition number of the dictionary.
Publisher: The name of the publisher of the dictionary.
Year: The year the dictionary was published.
Medium: Print.

Online Dictionary:

Entry Name: The word or term you looked up.
Dictionary Title: The title of the dictionary as it appears on the website.
Edition: The edition number of the dictionary.
Publisher: The name of the publisher of the dictionary.
Year: The year the dictionary was published.
Website Title: The title of the website where the dictionary is hosted.
URL: The direct URL of the specific dictionary entry.
Accessed Day Month Year: The date you accessed the dictionary entry.

Database Dictionary:

Entry Name: The word or term you looked up.
Dictionary Title: The title of the dictionary as it appears in the database.
Edition: The edition number of the dictionary.
Publisher: The name of the publisher of the dictionary.
Year: The year the dictionary was published.
Database Title: The title of the database where the dictionary is accessed.
URL: The direct URL of the specific dictionary entry.
Accessed Day Month Year: The date you accessed the dictionary entry.

Step 4: Construct the Citation

Now that you have gathered all the necessary information, you can construct the MLA citation for your dictionary. Remember to follow the specific format for the type of dictionary you are citing, as discussed in Step 2. Here are a few examples to illustrate the citation format:

Print Dictionary: Doe, John. "Lorem." The Dictionary of Important Words. 2nd ed., Acme Publishing, 2022. Print.
Online Dictionary: Doe, John. "Lorem." The Dictionary of Important Words. 2nd ed., Acme Publishing, 2022. Oxford Reference, www.oxfordreference.com/dictionary/lorem. Accessed 15 June 2023.
Database Dictionary: Doe, John. "Lorem." The Dictionary of Important Words. 2nd ed., Acme Publishing, 2022. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/123456. Accessed 15 June 2023.

Step 5: Double-check and Revise

After constructing your citation, it is essential to double-check the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. Make sure that all the elements are correctly formatted and that the punctuation is accurate. Additionally, check for any misspellings or typos in the citation.

In conclusion, properly citing a dictionary in MLA style is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By following the step-by-step guide provided above, you can ensure that your citations are accurate, consistent, and in adherence to the MLA style guidelines. Remember that accurate citations not only enhance the credibility of your work but also demonstrate your respect for the intellectual contributions of others. So, the next time you consult a dictionary for your research or writing, don't forget to cite it properly using the MLA style!

Example

Step 1: Identify the Type of Dictionary

Before delving into the citation process, it's crucial to identify the type of dictionary being used. Dictionaries can be categorized as print dictionaries, online dictionaries, or database dictionaries. Each type may require slightly different citation formats.

Step 2: Format the Basic Citation Elements

MLA citation for a dictionary consists of several key elements, including the entry name, dictionary title, edition, publisher, year of publication, and medium of publication (print or online). The format for each type of dictionary citation is as follows:

1. Print Dictionary:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Entry Name." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Year. Medium.

Example: Smith, John. "Democracy." The Dictionary of Political Science. 4th ed., XYZ Publishing, 2021. Print.

2. Online Dictionary:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Entry Name." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Year. Website Title, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Example: Smith, John. "Democracy." The Dictionary of Political Science. 4th ed., XYZ Publishing, 2021. Oxford Reference, www.oxfordreference.com/dictionary/politicalscience. Accessed 15 June 2023.

3. Database Dictionary:

Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Entry Name." Dictionary Title. Edition, Publisher, Year. Database Title, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.

Example: Smith, John. "Democracy." The Dictionary of Political Science. 4th ed., XYZ Publishing, 2021. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/123456. Accessed 15 June 2023.

Step 3: Gather the Specific Information

To cite a dictionary accurately, gather the specific information required for each type of dictionary. This includes the entry name, dictionary title, edition, publisher, year of publication, website title or database title, URL, and date accessed.

Step 4: Construct the Citation

Once you have gathered the necessary information, construct the citation according to the appropriate format. Ensure the accuracy and proper formatting of each element. Double-check for any spelling errors or inaccuracies.

Step 5: Example Citations

Let's provide a few example citations to further illustrate the MLA citation process for dictionaries:

1. Print Dictionary Example:

Entry: "Globalization" Author: Thompson, Mary Dictionary Title: The Dictionary of International Relations Edition: 5th ed. Publisher: ABC Publishing Year: 2022 Medium: Print

Citation: Thompson, Mary. "Globalization." The Dictionary of International Relations. 5th ed., ABC Publishing, 2022. Print.

2. Online Dictionary Example:

Entry: "Sustainability" Author: Johnson, Robert Dictionary Title: The Encyclopedia of Environmental Science Edition: 3rd ed. Publisher: XYZ Publishing Year: 2020 Website Title: Britannica Online URL: www.britannica.com/dictionary/sustainability Accessed: 10 May 2023

Citation: Johnson, Robert. "Sustainability." The Encyclopedia of Environmental Science. 3rd ed., XYZ Publishing, 2020. Britannica Online, www.britannica.com/dictionary/sustainability. Accessed 10 May 2023.

3. Database Dictionary Example:

Entry: "Postmodernism" Author: Adams, Sarah Dictionary Title: The Dictionary of Literary Criticism Edition: 2nd ed. Publisher: PQR Publishing Year: 2019 Database Title: Academic Search Premier URL: www.academicsearchpremier.com/dictionary/postmodernism Accessed: 20 April 2023

Citation: Adams, Sarah. "Postmodernism." The Dictionary of Literary Criticism. 2nd ed., PQR Publishing, 2019. Academic Search Premier, www.academicsearchpremier.com/dictionary/postmodernism. Accessed 20 April 2023.

Conclusion:

Accurate citation of sources is vital for maintaining academic integrity. When citing a dictionary in MLA style, understanding the type of dictionary and following the specific citation format is essential. By adhering to the step-by-step guide outlined in this essay, students and writers can ensure their work is properly referenced and demonstrate their respect for the intellectual contributions of others. Citing dictionaries accurately not only adds credibility to one's research but also allows readers to verify the information provided.