vocabulary

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Deutsch
German
Português
Portuguese
Русский
Russian
/vəˈkæbjəleri/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
The words someone knows, the word set of a language or subject, or a list of words for study.

Examples

  • The political vocabulary of the period changed quickly.
  • Her active vocabulary is smaller than her reading vocabulary.
  • Please review the vocabulary before the quiz.
  • He has a wide vocabulary for his age.
  • Each unit introduces ten new vocabulary items.

Similar words

lexicon
lexicon
word bank
word knowledge
glossary
range of words
language
terms
word list
word stock

Meanings

Words a person knows or uses

noun
everyday
neutral
The words that someone knows, understands, or regularly uses when speaking or writing.

Examples

  • Reading every day can expand your vocabulary.
  • He has a wide vocabulary for his age.
  • The app helps children build their vocabulary.
  • Her active vocabulary is smaller than her reading vocabulary.
  • A limited vocabulary can make writing feel repetitive.
  • Travel added many new words to her vocabulary.

Similar words

Words of a language or subject

noun
technical
neutral
The set of words and terms used in a language, field, subject, group, or style.

Examples

  • Medical vocabulary can be difficult for new students.
  • The poem uses the vocabulary of the sea.
  • Every profession develops its own vocabulary.
  • The political vocabulary of the period changed quickly.
  • Children learn the basic vocabulary of science at school.
  • The software introduced new vocabulary into everyday speech.

Similar words

List of words to learn

noun
everyday
neutral
A set or list of words, often with meanings or translations, used for study or reference.

Examples

  • The chapter ends with a vocabulary list.
  • Please review the vocabulary before the quiz.
  • Each unit introduces ten new vocabulary items.
  • The glossary explains the key vocabulary from the lesson.
  • Students copied the vocabulary into their notebooks.
  • The teacher tested last week's vocabulary.

Similar words

Etymology

From Medieval Latin vocabulārium, a list of words, from Latin vocabulum, word or name, from vocare, to call. The study-list sense is close to the older meaning, while modern English also uses the word for the range of words known or used.

FAQ

What does vocabulary mean?

Vocabulary means the words someone knows or uses, the words of a subject, or a study list of words.

Is vocabulary countable or uncountable?

It is usually uncountable for one person's word knowledge. It can be countable when comparing different word sets.

What is active vocabulary?

Active vocabulary is the words a person can use in speaking or writing.

What is passive vocabulary?

Passive vocabulary is the words a person understands when reading or listening but does not often use.

What is a vocabulary list?

A vocabulary list is a set of words for study, often with meanings, translations, or examples.

What is the difference between vocabulary and terminology?

Vocabulary is broader. Terminology is the specialized words of a subject or profession.

How do you say improve vocabulary?

Say improve my vocabulary, build my vocabulary, or expand my vocabulary.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
Newest
Top
Active
Violet Fox
Jun 27
my passive vocabulary is basically all the words I recognize and then panic when I need to use them
1
Reply
Contribution
Autumn Falcon
Jun 17
If you are counting items, words is usually cleaner than vocabularies. I learned 20 new words today sounds normal. I learned 20 vocabularies today sounds like textbook English gone wrong
1
Reply
Contribution
Sleek Lemming
Jun 17
Lexicon is the more technical cousin. I would say my vocabulary is bad in normal conversation, but a linguist might talk about a child's lexicon or the lexicon of a language.
3
Reply
Contribution
Pale Rabbit
Jun 12
My English teacher used to put whole chunks on the vocabulary quiz, like take a shower or make a decision. Annoying at the time, but honestly those are vocab too.
5
Reply
Look up word or phrase...