noun vo·cab·u·lary \vō-ˈka-byə-ˌler-ē, və-\

: the words that make up a language

: all of the words known and used by a person

: words that are related to a particular subject

plural vo·cab·u·lar·ies

Full Definition of VOCABULARY

:  a list or collection of words or of words and phrases usually alphabetically arranged and explained or defined :  lexicon
a :  a sum or stock of words employed by a language, group, individual, or work or in a field of knowledge
b :  a list or collection of terms or codes available for use (as in an indexing system)
:  a supply of expressive techniques or devices (as of an art form)

Examples of VOCABULARY

  1. the basic vocabulary of English
  2. She has learned a lot of new vocabulary.
  3. He has a somewhat limited vocabulary.
  4. Reading helped to expand her vocabulary.
  5. the vocabulary of the art world
  6. The Internet has given us a whole new vocabulary.


Middle French vocabulaire, probably from Medieval Latin vocabularium, from neuter of vocabularius verbal, from Latin vocabulum
First Known Use: 1532

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms



Next Word in the Dictionary: vocabulary entryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: vocabularAll Words Near: vocabulary
April 21, 2015
omnipotent Hear it
having unlimited authority or influence
Take a 3-minute break and test your skills!
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears