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

Ray’s early-season performance highlights a glaring omission in the Krukow and Kuiper glossary from last offseason. —Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 8 May 2025

From ‘conclave’ to ‘white smoke,’ a glossary of terms used in a papal transition Conclave voters urged to elect a pope who seeks unity and avoids personal interest How long was the longest conclave? —Vanessa Gera, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025

There are a number of terms that appear in both this article and other online discussions of the Spelling Bee; a glossary of those terms compiled by Monicat, a Times reader, can be found below. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

There are a number of terms that appear in both this article and other online discussions of the Spelling Bee; a glossary of those terms compiled by Monicat, a Times reader, can be found below. —New York Times Games, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

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