glossary

noun

glos·​sa·​ry ˈglä-sə-rē 

ˈglȯ-

plural glossaries

: a collection of textual glosses or of specialized terms with their meanings

glossarial

glä-ˈser-ē-əl 

glȯ-

adjective

Examples of glossary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Per gyrofield’s account of the album’s development, it was conceptualized as a means of interpreting dub and post-rock through their own lens, appending a thick glossary of recognizable signifiers to the artist’s sui generis musical language. — Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026

For a category definitions refresher, sift through our clue glossary. — Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026

Spelling Bee Grid A guide to reading the grid can be found in the glossary above. — New York Times Games, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2026

Has the internet made keeping up with the ever-evolving glossary of new phrases feel borderline impossible? — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English glosarie, borrowed from Medieval Latin glōsārium, glōssārium, from glōsa, glōssa gloss entry 3 + Latin -ārium -ary entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

glossary

noun

glos·​sa·​ry ˈgläs-(ə-)rē 

ˈglȯs-

plural glossaries

1

: a list of the hard or unusual words found in a book

2

: a dictionary of the special terms in a particular field