lexicography
noun
lex·i·cog·ra·phy
ˌlek-sə-ˈkä-grə-fē 
1
: the editing or making of a dictionary
2
: the principles and practices of dictionary making
Examples of lexicography in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So, no, dictionaries of other languages haven’t had a significant influence on my relationship with the lexicography—or the history—of English.
—
Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Other big names in American lexicography were already receding.
—Stefan Fatsis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
Properly probing a single, subtle element of grammar, like the use of tone or the way clauses are chained together, can be a serious accomplishment, not to mention the unsung arts of lexicography, transcription and archiving.
—Ross Perlin, The Dial, 14 Nov. 2024
My late friend James Sledd, a University of Texas linguist who was an expert on lexicography among other things, was politically to the left.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 14 Sep. 2023
Psychologist Tim Lomas created an interactive lexicography of emotion words in languages from Akkadian to Zulu, positing that expanded sentimental vocabularies enrich our inner lives.
—Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2021
Webster, who corresponded with founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, saw lexicography as an act of patriotism.
—New York Times, 13 Sep. 2021
Webster fell back on lexicography.
—Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Other big names in American lexicography were already receding.
—Stefan Fatsis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025
Properly probing a single, subtle element of grammar, like the use of tone or the way clauses are chained together, can be a serious accomplishment, not to mention the unsung arts of lexicography, transcription and archiving.
—Ross Perlin, The Dial, 14 Nov. 2024
My late friend James Sledd, a University of Texas linguist who was an expert on lexicography among other things, was politically to the left.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 14 Sep. 2023
Psychologist Tim Lomas created an interactive lexicography of emotion words in languages from Akkadian to Zulu, positing that expanded sentimental vocabularies enrich our inner lives.
—Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2021
Webster, who corresponded with founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, saw lexicography as an act of patriotism.
—New York Times, 13 Sep. 2021
Webster fell back on lexicography.
—Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Lexicography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lexicography. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share