1. Reading the Dictionary What’s in a dictionary entry?

2. Dictionary Entries Parts can vary from dictionary to dictionary Parts can vary from dictionary to dictionary The word, in it’s basic form (nouns as a singular; verbs in their first principle part) The word, in it’s basic form (nouns as a singular; verbs in their first principle part) Pronunciation (usually in IPA) Pronunciation (usually in IPA) Part of speech Part of speech Important forms (plural, other tenses, how it’s used, etc.) Important forms (plural, other tenses, how it’s used, etc.)

3. Dictionary Entries Definitions Definitions –Ranked by most common use –Separated by parts of speech Etymology Etymology –The closest language of origin and the word in that language –Some go through several languages

4. A Sample Entry dra·gon (drăg’ən) n. 1.a. A fabulous monster represented as a gigantic reptile having a lion’s claws, the tail of a serpent, wings, and a scaly skin… [Middle English drago(u)n, from Old French dragon, from Latin dracō, dragon, serpent, from Greek drakōn, serpent.]

5. What about the other details? Abbreviations, order, numbers? Abbreviations, order, numbers? Look at the beginning Look at the beginning –Explanation of entries –Tables of abbreviations