This is the reason why dictionaries were invented. They garner all the words from any language and give the user the whole wealth of knowledge in one convenient place. Sure you may have owned a dictionary in hard paper from but these are technologically advanced times and you need a digital one. This is where best dictionary app for android comes into play. We have selected the best dictionary apps for Android in this handy article. Note: All of the apps were tested on Samsung Galaxy S3 running on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The app ran well without hitches. Some apps required an active internet connection for word searches or audio based features while others needed it to download libraries. While all of the apps are available for free and will do basic dictionary based functions, some may require in app purchases to expand.
1. Oxford Dictionary – Free and $25
Oxford Dictionary has been the authority on English language as long as we can remember. We used to purchase new editions of the ever evolving dictionary once in a while. But these days new words are getting added in the dictionary very rapidly, therefor purchasing a hard copy seems redundant. Thankfully Oxford has released their dictionary for Android and it is better than ever. With constant updates you are sure to get the latest in the world of English literature. The downside is that it costs $25, which is a lot for a dictionary. You can upgrade the app via IAP. Features:
Detailed entries. The most comprehensive coverage of English language. Completely revised and updated with latest vocabulary.
Notable Feature: Oxford Dictionary has over 75,000 audio pronunciations for rare and common words. The best part is that the app has both British and American pronunciations.
2. Urban Dictionary – Free
Are you lost on the internet? Do you feel left out when people talk in slang? Well fear no more as Urban Dictionary is here to help. Words like rad, twerk and selfie are not going to be featured in proper English dictionaries but they are used in online and live conversations these days. The evolving nature of pop culture and the need of new innovative words make it hard to keep track of many words. Urban Dictionary will help you understand what nerf and OP means without the embarrassment of asking another person. Features:
Features all of the new “sweet” words. Explains in great detail the usage. Doesn’t shy away from explicit content.
Notable Feature: Shake for a random word is a great feature if you are just looking to expand your urban vocabulary. Simple shake your device and the app will present an new word for you to learn.
3. Offline Dictionaries – Free
Sometimes the best dictionary app for Android is the one that works. Offline dictionary may not offer extensive online searches but it can be accessed anytime, anywhere. The app basically downloads full archives of languages which then can be used offline. This is the best dictionary app for Android if you are traveling and need to see meanings and translation of different words. The fact that you can download English to any other language dictionary makes it a perfect travel companion. Features:
The best app to have while traveling. Can be accessed from anywhere, regardless of internet access. Dictionaries can be saved on external memory on some devices.
Notable Feature: The app doesn’t use internet, except to display ads. But if you switch off connectivity, it will save precious battery charge. You never want to run out of juice while traveling.
4. Advanced English – Free
Advanced English and Thesaurus has a clean and very detailed interface. The app is highly accessible and contained around 140000 entries and more than 1.4 million words. The app organizes words with an innovative and convenient approach. Verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs are all grouped into sets of cognitive synonyms which are interlinked by means of lexical relations and conceptual semantic. While this entire technicality may sound a little confusing, rest assured the end user results are great. Features:
Straight forward and precise definitions of words. Synonyms, antonyms are linked to make work easy. Quick search and correct meaning. Good examples with word usage.
Notable Feature: The ability to add bookmarks to words allow you to memories them quite easily.
5. Fora Dictionary – Free
Fora is the best dictionary app for android if you are looking for a smooth interface and offline access. Installable packages like WordNet, FOLDC, Moby and Factbook are available in this great package. The app has support for StarDict, SDXF, DSL, DICTD and Plain dictionary formats. This is a app for pros in the trade and it shows with the amount of detail the developer has put in. Features:
Wild card, Full Text and Fuzzy searches. Reader mode for easy literature consumption. History and navigation. Word list with notes.
Notable Feature: Native support for Text to Speech is available in Fora. It makes it easy to search while on the road or occupied otherwise.
6. Dictionary Offline – Free
Dictionary offline is the best dictionary app for Android is you want to have multiple languages with you all the time. The app gives you a clear chart of all the languages you can get as well as the download size of the full archive. For example if you only require a Spanish dictionary, you specifically get that. What about Arabic to English one? Sure it’s on the list too. There is almost every major language included in this app, even English to Urdu. Features:
Mono-lingual dictionaries for languages like English, German and Italian. English to other language dictionaries are also available. Download the dictionaries for offline access.
Notable Feature: Dictionary Offline has fast translation option. You can get the meaning as you type saving you precious time.
7 Dictionary – Free
Dictionary is straight forward as the name suggests. The app is best dictionary app for android is you are seeking a comprehensive dictionary. The app includes English, Spanish, French and 11 more but that is not why we are rating it this high in the 10 best dictionary app for android list. The app fairs well because it has technical dictionaries as well, including medical, legal, financial and engineering. This is the dictionary for students and will help them in memorizing technical terms easily. Features:
Advanced search options like “starts with”, “ends with” and “in definition”. Features extensive definitions, pronunciations and usage sentences. Multiple thesauri including antonyms and synonyms.
Notable Feature: Word of the day, this day in history, and quote of the day allows you to learn something new every day right from the app. As a student these tidbits will benefit in the long run.
8. Dictionary Word Web – Free
The best dictionary app for Android when it comes to interface, Dictionary Word Web is a charm to use. The free offline dictionary and thesaurus comes with synonyms, related words and great search. The “Google” like text entry not only corrects wrong spelling but also gives accurate suggestions. Alphabetical listing, spelling suggestions and fast pattern matching search allows for a great word searching experience. The app has more than 285,000 words, phrases and derived forms. The best part is that all the features are available to be used offline. Notable Feature:
Filtered search for nouns, verbs, adverbs and adjectives. Sounds like and often confused section. Includes proper nouns and common abbreviations.
Notable Feature: The best thing about Dictionary Word Web is the interface. The bright and expertly designed app provides a positive environment which is non-oppressive and stimulating.
9. Dictionary Merriam Webster – Free
Merriam Webster has made a huge name for them in the world of education. The always have some great quality content and the Dictionary is no exception. From synonyms to antonyms and from voice search to example sentences, the app has it all. The interface, the layout and the ease of use all ooze with polish and quality. We were highly impressed how well managed the app was, even the ads are not intrusive. Features:
Interface made separately for tablets and smartphones. Recent history is handy when learning. Audio pronunciations help in remembering words.
Notable Feature: The app lets you favorite a word which you find interesting. This is a good feature if you are aiming to enrich your vocabulary.
10. Dictionary.com – Free
The power of Dictionary.com is now available on the Android platform. What is so great about the app when you can simple access all the content on the internet? Well the offline mode is amazing. Winner of numerous awards from reputable institutes and websites, Dictionary.com is a great app to have on your smartphone. From daily content like word of the day, blog and slideshows to full English dictionary, all is available in this great package. This is by far the best dictionary app for Android and combines all the features which make a dictionary wholesome. Features:
Audio pronunciations available. Medial, financial and legal content is there. Commonly looked up words are mapped to specific locations. Slang content, abbreviations and acronyms are included.
Notable Feature: Word origin and history is a great feature. It not only enhances your knowledge about a specific word and its usage but in the process helps you remember it for further usage.
Conclusion:
We learnt around 10 new words while researching and test the 10 best dictionary app for Android. And some of them were quite exquisite. We do hope that you also get to learn new and exciting words in both English and any other language you desire. If you find something interesting, feel free to share that with us in the comments below, we are always looking for reasons to have a great chat with you.
