English language for me, but list options for other languages to benefit others!
Wiktionary.org usually
The English version is pretty good, but versions in other lanaguages can be lacking (e.g. Polish one is pretty basic, and sometimes it has wrong definitions).
Each definition has a discussion page for pointing out errors and the like. And if you’re complete certain of something and can back that up with a source, you could even edit the entry itself.
The French version is really good.
m.dict.cc is a bit cleaner.
Just search “define [word]” on duckduckgo. Works for like 95% of things I’m looking for.
When I was learning Japanese, I used an app called i mi wa https://www.imiwaapp.com/ that I found pretty useful
I’m hitting the dictionary more for etymology than definitions and pronunciation usually, so I like etymonline.com.
That’s a fun one. Dangerous tho. I could easilly rabbit hole there
For wackier definitions and slang, I like UrbanDictionary. I’d say Wiktionary, but someone already suggested that one.
I’ve also used dictionary.com and thesaurus.com in the past. Obvious names, but they’re not terrible.
But back to UrbanDictionary - there’s a lot of craziness and dross on there, but there are also plenty of diamonds in the rough.
For actual authoritative word definitions, usages, and spelling variants, I use Oxford English Dictionary - it requires an account but most libraries include free access.
For quickly finding synonyms (and similar utility stuff) while writing, my go-to for the last few years has been WordHippo. There are plenty of other sites that give synonym lists, but in my experience WordHippo surfaces way more variety, including idiomatic expressions and slang.
Wiktionary is the most practical.
As an American I usually go with Merriam-Webster as being reasonably authoritative for typical American usage. Most often I’m trying to check a preferred spelling in situations where there might be more than one way to spell something.
When I need an English/French dictionary wordreference.com remains my go-to. I’ve also found Wikipedia to be useful for more technical terms by using the Other Languages feature.
OneLook. It’s a meta-dictionary that lists other dictionaries which have the word. It also has a reverse lookup and pattern search which I frequently use.
It’s an amazing resource for french, will all the info you could ever need, and a pleasant search-focused ui.
Nice. I like that it’s Québec French to boot
Yeah I am doing college in quebec, and it’s the online dictionary the teachers recommend.
