lexicon

noun

lex·​i·​con ˈlek-sə-ˌkän How to pronounce lexicon (audio)
 also  -kən
plural lexica ˈlek-sə-kə How to pronounce lexicon (audio) or lexicons
1
: a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : dictionary
a French lexicon
2
a
: the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject
computer terms that have been added to the lexicon
b
: the total stock of morphemes in a language
3
: repertoire, inventory
added the DVD to his video lexicon

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Tips on Using Lexicon in a Sentence

The word lexicon has a number of closely-related meanings, which can easily lead to confusion and may cause the word to be used in an awkward way. Lexicon can refer to a general dictionary of a language (as in "a lexicon of the Hebrew language") and also to a narrower printed compilation of words within some sphere (as in "a medical lexicon" or "a lexicon of the German in Finnegans Wake").

Similarly, lexicon can refer both to the vocabulary of a specific group of people ("the lexicon of French") or to the general language used by an unspecified group of people ("a word that has not entered the general lexicon yet"). It may also often be found in reference to the vocabulary employed by a particular speaker ("'Failure' is not a word in my lexicon").

Examples of lexicon in a Sentence

a computer term that has entered the general lexicon an avid word enthusiast who is compiling a lexicon of archaic and unusual words
Recent Examples on the Web Tooled leathers and decorative metal hardware are also part of Campillo’s lexicon. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2024 New World Order is a phrase that has entered the lexicon and depicts a world transformed beyond recognition. Tracey Follows, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The online catalog is a resource for anybody from concerned parents to schoolteachers to law enforcement to look up the ever-changing lexicon of extremist symbols and phrases. Will Carless, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2024 And whether the project called for sticking to their style roots or serving up the polar opposite stylists, costume designers and creative directors left a mark on the fashion lexicon. Candace Cordelia, Essence, 21 Dec. 2023 The phrase has entered the political lexicon, transforming from a generic term for a nonpublic person — Florida Man as John Doe — to a stand-in for former President Donald J. Trump. Patricia Mazzei Jason Andrew, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Again, the bootcut styles largely left the fashion lexicon. Ashley W. Simpson, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2024 Colonialism and apartheid — part of the lexicon of the Palestinian cause that resonates so powerfully with African American activists — are terms rejected by many Jews as offensive and antisemitic. Clyde McGrady, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 No other song this year influenced the global lexicon — or, frankly, served to introduce a collective cross-cultural tongue — more than the lead single of Kylie Minogue's latest studio album, Tension. Jason Lamphier, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lexicon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek lexikon, from neuter of lexikos of words, from Greek lexis word, speech, from legein to say — more at legend

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lexicon was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near lexicon

Cite this Entry

“Lexicon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lexicon. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lexicon

noun
lex·​i·​con ˈlek-sə-ˌkän How to pronounce lexicon (audio)
-si-kən

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