Encyclopedia
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpiːdi.ə/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Encyclopedia is a noun meaning Similarly comprehensive works in other formats.
Meaning
Similarly comprehensive works in other formats.
More Meanings
- A comprehensive reference work (often spanning several printed volumes) with articles (usually arranged in alphabetical order, or sometimes arranged by category) on a range of subjects, sometimes general, sometimes limited to a particular field.
- (dated, specifically) The circle of arts and sciences (see Etymology); a comprehensive summary of knowledge, or of a branch thereof.
Example Sentences
My old encyclopedia has been gathering dust on the shelf for the past decade.
I only use the library for the encyclopedia, as we’ve got most other books here.
It would be easier to compile an encyclopedia for you than to write these longhand letters whose ink blackens the night.
Pliny the Elder’s Natural History is a go-to source for understanding what ancient Romans believed about the world and the model for every encyclopedia since.
Word Forms
- encyclopedias
- encyclopediae
- encyclopaedia
Synonyms for encyclopedia
Depending on context, synonyms include encyclopaedia, cyclopedia, cyclopaedia.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include encyclopaedia, cyclopedia, cyclopaedia, tome, spirit, enciclopedia.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.