vocabulary

noun

vō-ˈka-byə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce vocabulary (audio)
Definition of vocabularynext
1
as in terminology
the special terms or expressions of a particular group or field scientific vocabulary

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2
as in language
the stock of words, pronunciation, and grammar used by a people as their basic means of communication children learn enough of the common vocabulary to make themselves understood by around the age of two

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vocabulary Ruby Hobbs-Leffler felt things with an intensity that even a smart little girl with a big vocabulary couldn’t put into words. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Kermit wouldn’t say YOLO; internet vocabulary doesn’t fit with the Muppets. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Television’s Marquee Moon would go on to become one of rock’s most influential albums, its interlocking guitars helping establish a vocabulary that extended well beyond punk. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 24 Aug. 2026 Touma said that, not unlike today, access to education and wealth often affected one's diction and vocabulary. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vocabulary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vocabulary
  1. terminology
  2. language
  3. dialect
  4. tongue
  5. slang
  6. idiom
Noun
  • When officials disagree, even if legitimate based on terminology, the general public can interpret that disagreement as evidence that officials do not have a solid understanding of the outbreak.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But there’s an interesting conundrum that arises from the terminology itself.
    — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of terminology
Noun
  • From a consideration of apoptosis—the orderly elimination of damaged or unnecessary cells—Solé moves on to failing machines, eroded memories, vanished languages, brittle digital archives, and more.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • High-needs students — defined as those receiving free or reduced price meals, English language learners and students with disabilities — also performed about 10 points below the overall student body in each category.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of language
Noun
  • Owner and chef Stefania Marchesini, who fished professionally herself for 11 years, pays a premium to local fishermen, especially for soft-shell crabs known in the local dialect as moeche.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • What used to be two entirely separate compliance projects is starting to look like two dialects of the same emerging language.
    — Abdelahhad Barbour, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dialect
Noun
  • And researchers have also identified disparities in diagnoses, with a recent study indicating men were more likely than women to be diagnosed at a later stage for 20 types of cancer — including stomach, lung, tongue and some throat cancers.
    — Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026
  • According to the listing, the interior has wood floors, tongue-and-groove knotty pine accents, granite countertops, Lutron lighting controls and two gas fireplaces.
    — Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tongue
Noun
  • Young artists like the members of the Chilean boy band Q_ARE are fusing these elements with Latin music styles, Spanish and English lyrics and Chilean slang to pioneer a uniquely Latino pop subgenre.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The latest slang to capture the Gen Z zeitgeist is a way to say poser, try-hard or fraud.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of slang
Noun
  • In the more compressed idiom of three-act-movie storytelling, this chapter would represent the end of act two, when all hope appears lost.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • There are plenty of idioms to describe Andrean outside hitter Aleece Ehler’s freshman season.
    — Noah Poser, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of idiom

Browse Nearby Words

vocabularies
vocabulary
vocal
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Cite this Entry

“Vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vocabulary. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vocabulary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vocabulary

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