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How to Cite an Online Dictionary in APA Format

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, or APA, outlines the APA's general format for research papers, in-text citations, notes and reference pages. This format is known as APA style and is most commonly used in the social sciences. Citing an online dictionary differs from citing a physical dictionary in that no publishing information is required---only the defined word, the name of the dictionary and the URL.

Instructions

- 1
  Cite the online dictionary in the "Reference List" in the following format: Title of entry. (Year of publication). In Title of dictionary. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL. For example, "Materialism. (2010). In Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from http://www.britannica.com/dictionary?book=Dictionary" with no final period. The name of the dictionary should be in italics.
- 2
  Place the citation in the "Reference List" in alphabetical order according to the first letter of the definition.
- 3
  Cite the definition in the text by placing the defined word and the date of publication in parentheses after the relevant phrase, before the punctuation mark.

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