Definition of lexicon
lexica
play \ˈlek-sə-kə\ orlexicons
1 : a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : dictionary a French lexicon
2a : the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject computer terms that have been added to the lexiconb : the total stock of morphemes in a language
3 : repertoire, inventory added the DVD to his video lexicon
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Examples of lexicon in a Sentence
a computer term that has entered the general lexicon
an avid word enthusiast who is compiling a lexicon of archaic and unusual words
Recent Examples of lexicon from the Web
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The real pleasure, though, will be the opportunity to see and talk with my fellow guardians of the lexicon.
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Eventually, elements of her original, figurative lexicon, such as the obscene, taunting tongues, returned to her work.
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When poly or poly-curious people stumble across the polyamorous lexicon, the discovery can help validate their worldview.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lexicon'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tips on Using lexicon in a Sentence
The word lexicon has a number of closely-related meanings, which can easily lead to confusion and may cause the word to be used in an awkward way. Lexicon can refer to a general dictionary of a language (as in "a lexicon of the Hebrew language") and also to a narrower printed compilation of words within some sphere (as in "a medical lexicon" or "a lexicon of the German in Finnegans Wake").
Similarly, lexicon can refer both to the vocabulary of a specific group of people ("the lexicon of French") or to the general language used by an unspecified group of people ("a word that has not entered the general lexicon yet"). It may also often be found in reference to the vocabulary employed by a particular speaker ("'Failure' is not a word in my lexicon").
Origin and Etymology of lexicon
Late Greek lexikon, from neuter of lexikos of words, from Greek lexis word, speech, from legein to say — more at legend
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
LEXICON Defined for English Language Learners
lexicon
playDefinition of lexicon for English Language Learners
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: the words used in a language or by a person or group of people
Learn More about lexicon
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See words that rhyme with lexicon Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lexicon Spanish Central: Translation of lexicon Nglish: Translation of lexicon for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lexicon for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lexicon
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