How to Cite a Dictionary Word in a Research Paper

MLA

• 1

  Write the definition of the dictionary word in the body of your research paper where you want it, and then in your Works Cited list begin the citation for the dictionary you got it from by writing the word again.

  Example citation beginning:

  "Alliance."

• 2

  Write the name of the dictionary, italicized, followed by the dictionary edition number.

  Example citation so far:

  "Alliance." Knowledgeable Dictionary. 5th ed.

• 3

  Write the year the dictionary was published to finish your citation.

  Full example of an MLA dictionary citation in a Works Cited list:

  "Alliance." Knowledgeable Dictionary. 5th ed. 2010.

APA

• 4

  Write the word from the dictionary in your References list, followed by the year of the dictionary's publishing in parentheses.

  Example reference beginning:

  Alliance. (2010).

• 5

  Write the dictionary's editor's name (if available) without any titles (e.g. "Dr."), preceded by "In" and followed by the name of the dictionary in italics, page number, and edition and volume numbers in parentheses.

  Example reference so far:

  Alliance. (2010). In Rolan, D. (Ed.), Knowledgeable dictionary (p. 345, 5th ed., vol. 2).

• 6

  Add the city and the abbreviation for the state of publication unless the city is world famous as a publication hub (such as New York or London), followed by the name of the publisher.

  Full example of an APA dictionary citation:

  Alliance. (2010). In Rolan, D. (Ed.), Knowledgeable dictionary (p. 345, 5th ed., vol. 2). Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee Publishing.