How to Cite a Dictionary in an Essay

You may be required to cite your sources when writing an essay in college, including simple sources such as an entry from a dictionary. The MLA, the MLA and the Chicago Manual of Style publish guidelines for the correct citation of dictionary entries. The exact format of your citation depends on which citation style your professor requires.

Instructions

    • 1

      Format your citation adhering to Chicago style: Author's last name, first name. Year of publication. Title in Italics. City of publication:

      Publisher.

      For example: Smith, John. 2006. Dictionary of Pigeons. Boston: Harvard Press.

      If no author is credited, cite the editor. For example:

      Jones, Andrew, ed. 2006. Dictionary of Pigeons. Boston: Harvard Press.

    • 2

      Format your citation adhering to MLA style: "Title of Entry." Title of dictionary in italics. Edition number. Year of publication. Medium of publication.

      For example: "Passenger Pigeons." Dictionary of Pigeons. 2nd ed. 2006. Print.

    • 3

      Format your citation adhering to APA style: Title of dictionary in italics (Edition number). (Year of Publication). City, state of publication: Publisher.

      For example: Dictionary of Pigeons (2nd ed.). (2006). Boston, MA: Harvard Press.

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