encyclopedia

noun

en·​cy·​clo·​pe·​dia in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-dē-ə 

: a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles arranged alphabetically often by subject

Examples of encyclopedia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The five pillars establish Wikipedia as a free online encyclopedia, with articles that are accurate and cite reliable sources, and editors – called Wikipedians – who avoid bias and treat one another with respect. —Bridget Retzloff, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2023

At times, listening to him is like reading the world’s most eclectic encyclopedia. —Michal Lev-Ram, Fortune, 25 July 2024

It's become like an encyclopedia for what the Heritage Foundation in that sector of Republicans want. —Leah Feiger, WIRED, 11 Sep. 2024

Endless dry wit and an encyclopedia of knowledge, Eric Gilliland is unforgettable. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin encyclopaedia course of general education, from Greek enkyklios + paideia education, child rearing, from paid-, pais child — more at few

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

encyclopedia

noun

en·​cy·​clo·​pe·​dia

variants also encyclopaedia

in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpēd-ē-ə

: a work that contains information on all subjects or one that covers a certain subject thoroughly usually with articles arranged alphabetically

Etymology

from Latin encyclopedia "course of general education," from Greek enkyklios "general, all-around," literally, "circular" and Greek paideia "education, child rearing"