lexicon

noun

lex·​i·​con ˈlek-sə-ˌkän 

also -kən

plural lexica ˈlek-sə-kə  or lexicons

1

: a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : dictionary

a French lexicon

2

a

: the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject

computer terms that have been added to the lexicon

b

: the total stock of morphemes in a language

3

: repertoire, inventory

added the DVD to his video lexicon

Did you know?

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").

Synonyms of lexicon

• dictionary

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

American governments would routinely speak up to support democratic champions who spoke out against regimes defined by a similar lexicon of terror in Latin America, Africa, or Asia. —Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026

In fact, there is a different type of blazer for virtually every fashion lexicon. —Julia Guerra, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026

This is a generational response to a workplace environment and sociopolitical climate where chronic stress has become baseline and where terms like quiet cracking—persistent disengagement without resignation—have entered the HR lexicon. —Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Today’s crunchy universe has its own lexicon, myriad complicated theories and counter-theories, and a legion of skeptics and soothsayers, many with scientific or pseudoscientific backgrounds. —Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Greek lexikon, from neuter of lexikos of words, from Greek lexis word, speech, from legein to say — more at legend

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lexicon

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon

Kids Definition

lexicon

noun

lex·​i·​con ˈlek-sə-ˌkän 

-si-kən

: dictionary sense 1