vocabulary

noun

vō-ˈka-byə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce vocabulary (audio)
Definition of vocabularynext
1
as in terminology
the special terms or expressions of a particular group or field scientific vocabulary

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2
as in language
the stock of words, pronunciation, and grammar used by a people as their basic means of communication children learn enough of the common vocabulary to make themselves understood by around the age of two

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vocabulary The vocabulary moves first; the budget is meant to feel like a natural consequence. — Sunny Patel, STAT, 17 July 2026 Scheffler had not seen conditions like this — a combination of yellow and brown, which translates to firm and fiery in a links vocabulary. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 Designed in collaboration with Ukrainian architect and designer Victoria Yakusha, the boutique translates the brand’s restrained jewelry vocabulary into a nearly monochromatic interior. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Involving your child in grocery shopping could strengthen their vocabulary and math skills. — Miranda Rake, Parents, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vocabulary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vocabulary
  1. terminology
  2. language
  3. dialect
  4. tongue
  5. slang
  6. idiom
Noun
  • Social media users poked fun at the original intent by applying maxxing terminology to all kinds of other things.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • The war on language is more metaphysical than just the policing of proper social justice terminology, Williams argues.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
Definition of terminology
Noun
  • New and upcoming titles under the deal will carry English subtitles and dubbing in the Hindi, Tamil and Telugu languages.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026
  • Translators still have steady work years after computer translation approached human parity, because there is no ceiling on what can be translated or into how many languages.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Silvio Carta’s Giniu Gin takes its name from the Sardinian word for juniper, placing both the plant and the island dialect at the center of the product’s identity.
    — Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Rusyn, which enjoys protected minority-language status in Slovakia and Poland, is treated within Ukraine as a mere dialect.
    — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of dialect
Noun
  • Children separated from their families were taught, sometimes violently, not to speak their native tongues, and many did not pass them on to their children.
    — Kadin Mills, NPR, 26 July 2026
  • But today’s linguistic diversity may be only the shadow of a time when humans conversed in 10 times as many tongues.
    — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 23 July 2026
Definition of tongue
Noun
  • Kerr, for example, questioned Valdez’s command of English given his use of Caló, a culturally specific dialect that blends Mexican Spanish slang with English.
    — Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • Their influence stretched beyond music into fashion, dance trends and slang, and as member Pimpin' noted, fans are still doing the group's signature dance more than two decades later, something a SeaWorld whale recently proved.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Definition of slang
Noun
  • Holden Caulfield is made to tell his own story, in his own strange idiom.
    — Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Please put on your batteries — a Mexican Spanish idiom that means to cowboy up.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of idiom

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vocabularies
vocabulary
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Cite this Entry

“Vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vocabulary. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vocabulary

Nglish: Translation of vocabulary for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vocabulary

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