dictionary

Where does the word "dictionary" come from? It comes from Latin dictio, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1520s).

Dictionary’s story begins in Latin: dictio meant “a saying, a speaking.” A saying, a speaking, from dicere (to say). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as dictionarium. Coined for a reference book of words and their meanings. It reached English by 1520s as dictionary. Settled as the English word for a reference book of words and definitions. Today, dictionary means a reference book listing words alphabetically along with their meanings.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient dictio "a saying, a speaking", a saying, a speaking, from dicere (to say).
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval dictionarium "a reference book of words", coined for a reference book of words and their meanings.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1520s dictionary "a reference book listing words and their meanings", settled as the English word for a reference book of words and definitions.