How to Cite a Dictionary in MLA Format
Citing a Dictionary in MLA
To cite a dictionary in MLA 9th edition, start with the entry word in quotation marks, followed by the dictionary title in italics. Include the publisher, publication date (or edition), and the URL for online sources. This guide covers formatting for both digital and print versions to ensure your Works Cited page is accurate.
Step 1: Format the Entry Word
Start your citation with the specific word you are defining. Place the word in quotation marks and end it with a period inside the closing mark. Do not capitalize the word unless it is a proper noun. If the dictionary lists multiple definitions for the same word and you are citing a specific numbered sense, you do not usually need to include the number in the Works Cited entry, though you may specify it in your text for clarity.
Step 2: Provide Dictionary and Publisher Details
After the entry word, write the title of the dictionary in italics. For online dictionaries, the publisher is often the same as the website name. If the publisher name is essentially the same as the title of the website, you may omit the publisher to avoid redundancy. For print dictionaries, include the edition number (e.g., 11th ed.) and the year of publication. Always follow the title or edition with a comma.
Step 3: Include the URL and Access Date
For online sources, copy the URL from your browser. Omit the 'https://' prefix unless your instructor specifically requests it. End the URL with a period. While MLA 9 does not strictly require an access date if a publication date is present, it is highly recommended for web-based dictionaries because definitions can change over time. Format the date as Day Month Year (e.g., 14 Oct. 2023).
Step 4: Create the In-Text Citation
In-text citations for dictionaries use a shortened version of the Works Cited entry. Since dictionaries are organized alphabetically, you do not need a page number for print versions. Instead, use the entry word in quotation marks inside parentheses. If you mention the word naturally in your sentence, no parenthetical citation is required unless you are using a specific print edition with page numbers.
Dictionary Citation Examples
Use these templates for your Works Cited page:
**Online Dictionary Example:**
`"Persuasion." Merriam-Webster, 2023, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persuasion. Accessed 15 May 2024.`
**Print Dictionary Example:**
`"Oxford." The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford UP, 1989.`
**In-Text Citation Example:**
`The concept of justice is often defined as "the quality of being just, impartial, or fair" ("Justice").`Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Italicizing the entry word: Only the title of the dictionary should be italicized. The word being defined must be in quotation marks.
- Including 'https://': In MLA 9, you should generally strip the protocol from the URL to keep the citation clean.
- Missing the period: Ensure a period follows the entry word and the final element of the citation.
- Using the wrong publisher: For Merriam-Webster, the publisher is Merriam-Webster. For the OED, the publisher is usually Oxford University Press.
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