Definition of LEXICON

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").

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 on the Web

Feminine but chic, in the Off-White lexicon, is not quite the polished bourgeois attitude that trended elsewhere in Paris, but a savvy conceal-reveal proposition that puts women in charge. — Amanda Brooks, Vogue, "The Making of Off-White’s Fall 2019 Show," 15 Mar. 2019 After five seasons of the show (which left the air last year), shiplap has cemented itself in the modern design lexicon as the cornerstone of a certain kind of Instagram-ready, nouveau-farmhouse decor. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "The Real Story Behind Joanna Gaines's Beloved Shiplap," 12 Feb. 2019 Thanks to FX and Cate Blanchett, the long-dormant fight is about to resurface in the pop cultural lexicon. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Mrs. America: Everything We Know So Far About Cate Blanchett's FX Show," 10 Jan. 2019 Oklahoma at Texas Saturday, 6:15 p.m. ET, ESPN Even by the standards of the sport that added the term March Madness to the lexicon, the Big 12 season thus far has produced a whole new level of sanity-challenging results. — Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, "Big 12 showdowns top what we are watching this weekend in college basketball," 2 Feb. 2018 One of the more sentimental celebrations that have been created at the World Cup, Bebeto's tribute to his newborn baby was an iconic addition to the lexicon. — SI.com, "7 of the Best Celebrations in World Cup History," 31 May 2018 In the more than a month since their former high school became a tragic part of the national lexicon, the alumni have been struggling with a mix of emotions. — Dugan Arnett, BostonGlobe.com, "Local Stoneman Douglas High School alumni rally along with students on Boston Common," 24 Mar. 2018 Some have glimpsed traces of his lexicon in Wes Anderson’s films. — Marley Marius, Vogue, "Why There’s Never Been a Better Time to Celebrate Yasujirō Ozu," 12 Dec. 2018 Copywriters are infusing holidays into our lexicon with no one to stop them! — Ashley Carman, The Verge, "People participate in hashtag holidays if they feel a personal connection," 26 Dec. 2018

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.