First Known Use: 1532
Dictionary
vocabulary
noun vo·cab·u·lary \vō-ˈka-byə-ˌler-ē, və-\
: the words that make up a language
: all of the words known and used by a person
: words that are related to a particular subject
plural vo·cab·u·lar·ies
Full Definition of VOCABULARY
1
: a list or collection of words or of words and phrases usually alphabetically arranged and explained or defined : lexicon
2
a : a sum or stock of words employed by a language, group, individual, or work or in a field of knowledge b : a list or collection of terms or codes available for use (as in an indexing system)
3
: a supply of expressive techniques or devices (as of an art form)
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Origin of VOCABULARY
Middle French vocabulaire, probably from Medieval Latin vocabularium, from neuter of vocabularius verbal, from Latin vocabulum
Related to VOCABULARY
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with VOCABULARY
apothecary, bicentenary, confectionary, confectionery, consigliere, constabulary, contemporary, deflationary, disciplinary, discretionary, diversionary, epistolary, exclusionary, expansionary, extemporary, extraordinary, fiduciary, hereditary, illusionary, imaginary, incendiary, inflationary, insanitary, intercalary, involuntary, itinerary, judiciary, lending library, marionberry, obituary, olallieberry, on the contrary, pecuniary, pituitary, precautionary, preliminary, presidiary, probationary, proprietary, provisionary, reactionary, subliterary, subsidiary, tercentenary, unnecessary, veterinary, voluptuary
VOCABULARIES Defined for Kids
vocabulary
noun vo·cab·u·lary \vō-ˈka-byə-ˌler-ē\
plural vo·cab·u·lar·ies
Definition of VOCABULARY for Kids
1
: a list or collection of words and their meanings
2
: the words used in a language, by a group or individual, or in relation to a subject
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