encyclopedic

adjective

en·​cy·​clo·​pe·​dic in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-dik 

: of, relating to, or suggestive of an encyclopedia or its methods of treating or covering a subject : comprehensive

an encyclopedic mind

an encyclopedic collection of armor

encyclopedically

in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

In Greek, paidaea meant not simply "child-rearing" but also "education", and kyklios meant "general;" thus, an encyclopedia is a work broad enough to provide a kind of general education. The world's most eminent general encyclopedia, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, is a huge work that covers every field of human knowledge. But encyclopedic doesn't have to refer to books; it's often used to describe the wide-ranging knowledge that certain types of minds just can't stop acquiring.

Synonyms of encyclopedic

• comprehensive
• extensive
• panoramic
• thorough
• full

Examples of encyclopedic in a Sentence

She published an encyclopedic study of ancient Egypt.

The event was described in encyclopedic detail.

his almost encyclopedic knowledge of movies

Recent Examples on the Web

As of August, Maroma officially begins to accommodate guests again following a soft opening, and those familiar with the property will recognize many of the same staff, many of whom possess an encyclopedic knowledge of the hotel and wider region. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

This encyclopedic facility spans from ancient Cypriot and Asian art to European pieces, photography, and contemporary works. — Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026

Instead of immediately presenting guests with the restaurant's encyclopedic cellar list, Adelson prefers to start with conversation. — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Nunez has an encyclopedic knowledge of her characters in this collection – what seems from the outside like an eidetic memory for their histories and motivations. — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encyclopedic

• encyclopaedic
• comedic
• glycosidic
• orthopaedic
• orthopedic

Kids Definition

encyclopedic

adjective

en·​cy·​clo·​pe·​dic

variants also encyclopaedic

in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpēd-ik

1

: of or relating to an encyclopedia

2

: covering a wide range of subjects

encyclopedic knowledge