An ESL dictionary is an important resource for anyone learning English as a second language. English learner’s dictionaries differ from regular or bilingual dictionaries because they are specially designed with learners in mind. They use simple language for definitions and offer additional help with grammar, word choice, and pronunciation.
You can access English learner dictionaries online, via apps, and, of course, as a printed book.
If you’re confused about which is the best English learner’s dictionary for you (or someone you know), you’re in the right place.
This guide will help you determine which features are important to you as an English learner, whatever your level. Then you can compare the most popular ESL learner’s dictionaries available, including online dictionaries and apps, and decide which one is right for you.
For now, here are our top picks:
The world's bestselling advanced-level learner's dictionary
- 60k+ words
- 79k+ phrases
- 109k+ examples
- 10th edition, published 2020
- Includes premium website access
An easy-to-use ESL dictionary for beginners
- 40k+ words and phrases
- Common words are highlighted
- Word usage tips
- 200-page grammar guide
A fully illustrated dictionary for English learners
- 4000+ words with illustrations
- 12 themed sections
- Accompanying comprehension questions
- Clear layout
What to look for in an ESL dictionary
What’s so special about English learner’s dictionaries? Well, they are designed to be easy to understand if English is not your first language. They may also have extra information to help you use the words correctly.
Here are some features to consider when choosing the best ESL dictionary for your current needs and English level:
- Simple definitions: ESL dictionaries should contain definitions that use common words and are easy to understand.
- Example sentences: These let you check whether you’re using words in the correct context.
- Grammar guides: Would you like an ESL dictionary that includes a grammar guide, or would you prefer to have a separate book for this? You can browse some grammar guides in our list of the best books to learn English.
- Illustrations: New ESL learners may find it helpful to have pictures for reference. You can even buy fully illustrated ESL picture dictionaries.
- Pronunciation guides: Help pronouncing tricky words and sounds and distinguishing between similar-sounding words.
- Conversation guides: These help you get started learning the most important words and phrases for simple conversations.
- Thesaurus: This section helps you find and understand synonyms for words. Choose whether to purchase one separately or as part of your dictionary.
- US vs. British English explanations: We’re focusing mainly on American English dictionaries here, but it’s helpful to know the differences between American and British English.
The best English learner’s dictionaries (printed)
Although online dictionaries and apps are great for quick reference on-the-go, nothing quite beats holding a book in your hands that contains the entire English language.
You could argue that a physical dictionary is the best place to learn something new every day, since you can flick through to a random page and pick a word you don’t yet know.
Here are some of the best printed dictionaries for English learners, according to level.
HarperCollins Beginner’s ESL Dictionary
The HarperCollins Beginner’s ESL Dictionary is ideal for anyone just starting to learn English. It contains over 40,000 words, phrases, and definitions. This is less than some of the other dictionaries listed here, but it still covers 90% of the words used in written and spoken English.
Words that are frequently used in English are marked for easier reference, and so that learners can focus on learning English words that they are likely to encounter regularly.
In addition, this ESL beginner’s dictionary includes 25,000 examples and a 200-page grammar guide. There are full-page illustrations throughout, and explanations about British vs. American English.
More advanced English language learners may find this dictionary too simple, but it is a very good tool for people who are new to the language and want to master the basics.
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is the world’s bestselling advanced-level dictionary for learners of English. Now in its 10th edition, which was published in 2020, it is the most modern print dictionary of its size.
This dictionary is a complete English learning guide, with over 60,000 words, 79,000 phrases, and 109,000 examples. More common words are printed in a larger font to make them easier to recognize.
Although this dictionary uses British English spelling, definitions explain any differences between British and American English.
When you purchase the physical copy of this dictionary, you also receive access to premium features on the Oxford Learner Dictionary website from Oxford University Press. This includes a speaking tutor to improve your pronunciation and a writing tutor which is particularly helpful for exam preparation.
Oxford American Dictionary for learners of English
Oxford University Press also publishes three different levels of dictionary for ESL students focusing on American English:
| Oxford Basic American Dictionary for learners of English | Oxford American Dictionary for learners of English | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary for learners of English | |
| Number of words | 27,000 plus 15,000 examples | 42,000 plus 35,000 examples | 145,000 plus 85,500 examples |
| Defining words | 2,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Other features | 500 color illustrations, note boxes with extra help | 650 color illustrations, 45 reference pages | 1,000+ color illustrations plus 64 reference pages |
| English level | Elementary to low intermediate | Intermediate | Advanced |
These all have a similar style and layout, and all include illustrations. They also all come with a CD-ROM which gives access to additional dictionaries and spoken examples – if you still have a computer with a CD drive that can read it!
The differences lie in the number of words they cover and the complexity of the definitions.
Whatever level you’re at, one of these Oxford ESL dictionaries for learners of English should suit you. The good thing about this series is that when you’re ready to move up a level, you’ll already be familiar with the format of your new dictionary.
Longman Handy Learners Dictionary of American English
The Longman Handy Learners Dictionary of American English is a good option if you want an English learner’s dictionary that is easy to carry around with you.
It measures 4 x 6 inches and weighs 10oz, so it’s not quite pocket-sized, but will certainly fit easily in a bag. It also has a hard-wearing plastic cover for added durability.
Some teachers say that this is the best dictionary for ESL students at lower levels, as the definitions are carefully worded to be easy to understand with basic vocabulary. It covers 28,000 words and phrases, so is not as comprehensive as some others on this list, but is a great portable option, especially as a first dictionary for someone learning English.
The smaller size also makes it one of the most affordable ESL dictionaries on this list!
Merriam-Webster’s Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
Merriam-Webster’s Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary is one of the most highly recommended ESL dictionaries for English students of high school age through university and beyond.
This comprehensive dictionary lists over 100,000 words and, more importantly for English learners, 160,000 example sentences to clarify meanings and usage. This is more than any other learner’s dictionary, they say.
The descriptions are dual-color for clarity, and there are occasional illustrations to aid understanding. Plus, there is plenty of supplementary information about topics including easily confused words, spelling rules, and contractions.
This Merriam-Webster dictionary was updated in 2016, so although it is lacking some more modern terms, it is more up-to-date than some others. The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, for instance, is very well-regarded but was last updated in 2013.
ESL picture dictionaries
For people who are completely new to English, an ESL picture dictionary can be a quick way to learn basic vocabulary.
Best picture dictionary for kids
An English dictionary with pictures has obvious appeal for children, and My First 1000 Words is just the right balance of helpful words and colorful illustrations.
Over 96 pages, kids can learn the words for shapes, food, animals, transport, and more. This book can also help remove the language barrier when speaking to someone who knows almost no English.
You can also buy a children’s dictionary to help kids learn English. Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary is more like a standard dictionary with full definitions of over 36,000 words, but it also contains enough illustrations, fact boxes, and diagrams to keep the layout interesting for younger learners.
We’ve got more gift ideas for kids learning English in our separate guide. Check it out if you need gift inspiration for any young English learners you know, whatever their level. You may also be interested in some fun games for learning English!
Best ESL picture dictionary for adults
It’s not only kids who can benefit from pictures! The Oxford Picture Dictionary has a more mature design aimed at adults but is fully illustrated and includes more than 4,000 words and phrases.
It includes contemporary sections on digital literacy and career planning as well as a wide range of timeless topics such as parts of the body and household items.
Many ESL teachers and students consider this the best picture dictionary for ESL beginners, as it is clearly laid out and provides a good foundation in everyday English vocabulary. The accompanying questions for each section help build skills around predicting, critical thinking, and analysis.
It’s also available as a bilingual dictionary in several languages.
Best online dictionaries for ESL students
Online dictionaries for learners provide a quick and easy way to check the meaning of a word, search for synonyms, and take a deeper look into the English language.
Many online dictionaries are free to access, although some features may require a premium subscription. The best online dictionaries for ESL students are fully interactive, so you can explore the meaning of each word and easily open definitions of new words you encounter. Some also have English language exercises or quizzes to test what you have learned.
Another advantage of online dictionaries is that they are updated more frequently than printed ones. New words are added to online versions every month or year, whereas physical dictionaries may only be reprinted once every 10-20 years.
Here are a few of the best online dictionaries you can use as you learn new English vocabulary.
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries from Oxford University Press
This is one of the best online dictionaries for English learners, also available as an app. Only the Advanced versions are available to search online, but each entry has a number of helpful features for English learners, including:
- Audio of the word pronounced with British and American accents
- An indication of the level of the word (from A1 to C1) if it appears on the Oxford 3000 or Oxford 5000 word lists
- The option to save the word to your own word list for future reference
- Example sentences using the word
- Additional features such as word origin, idioms, and related words in some entries
There is also a thesaurus on the app, but not on the online version.
Cambridge Online Dictionary
Coming from a world-renowned institution, the Cambridge Dictionary website includes full access to their standard and learner’s dictionaries, as well as the Cambridge Dictionary of Grammar and Thesaurus.
In addition to this, you’ll find bilingual dictionaries for 26 languages where you can easily translate words and view definitions and example sentences in both languages.
The Free Dictionary by Farlex
The Free Dictionary is one of our favorite resources because a single search brings up multiple dictionary definitions and thesaurus listings, with example sentences. This is not specifically an ESL learner’s dictionary, but it does give a very comprehensive view of each word you look up, including phrasal verbs and slang phrases.
If you don’t understand one definition, you can try reading another without having to navigate to a different page or website. You can also check the differences between British and American English, since both the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language and the Collins Dictionary are featured in search results.
The website also features a word of the day, which can be helpful for expanding your vocabulary into new areas.
OZDIC English Collocation Dictionary
The OZDIC collocation dictionary is very useful to help you learn which English words commonly go together. For each dictionary entry, you’ll see a comprehensive lists of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other parts of speech that the word is often paired with. You’ll also see phrasal verbs and idioms, if applicable.
Not only is this a helpful dictionary for English learners who want to become more confident with their choice of vocabulary; it is also a useful writing prompt for creative writers.
Memrise visual English dictionary
This free online picture dictionary for ESL students is part of a larger language learning tool. Memrise is a platform that uses memory techniques to make learning more effective.
You can access their visual dictionary for free, or sign up for a free account to be able to test your knowledge via simple word games.
The vocabulary is grouped into over 40 different topics.
Check out some more websites for learning English here.
Summary: The best dictionary for English learners
So, what’s the best dictionary to learn English? It depends a lot on your level and the kind of layout you prefer, but this list of English learning dictionaries should have helped you narrow down your options.
If you’re unsure about committing to purchasing a physical copy, you can always begin by trying different online dictionaries. When you find one that you feel comfortable with, and you understand the definitions well, consider purchasing the printed version.
One thing’s for sure: a dictionary is an invaluable tool for learning another language, so we encourage you to keep looking until you find one that suits you.
FAQs
How do I use a dictionary to learn English?
A dictionary is an excellent tool for learning new English words and understanding how to use them correctly. You should use this alongside other resources for learning grammar and practicing speaking and writing.
Are paper dictionaries becoming obsolete?
With the rise of online dictionaries and apps, it is not necessary to own a paper dictionary to learn a language. However, many people still prefer to have a physical copy of all the information contained within a dictionary, and it is unlikely they will ever become obsolete.
Which English dictionary is most accurate?
All the major dictionaries mentioned here present an accurate view of the English language. You may prefer to choose one that focuses on British or American English. Also consider the publication date, as some have been revised more recently than others.
The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is one of the most up-to-date, with its 10th edition published in 2020.
Which English language learner’s dictionary has the most words?
The Oxford Advanced American Dictionary for learners of English contains over 145,000 word definitions, making it the most comprehensive learner’s dictionary in terms of word count.
This is still some way behind the standard Oxford American Dictionary, which contains over 350,000 words.
