Q. How do I cite a dictionary?

If you are creating an in-text citation for a dictionary entry, you would follow APA's standard in-text citation guidelines of including the first part of the reference and the year. For example, your in-text citations might look like this: (Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary, 1999) or (Onomatopoeia, n.d.). These in-text citations would then align with your reference list citations. 

If you are citing a full dictionary in your reference list, you would place the title of the dictionary in the position where the author’s name would normally go, so it would look like this:

Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary (10th ed.). (1999). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Incorporated.

If you are citing a single entry in an online dictionary, you will need to include the word that you looked up first, so it would look something like this:

Onomatopoeia. (n.d.) In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-
    webster.com/dictionary/onomatopoeia

Additional Resources:

• Visit this webpage to learn more about citing electronic sources.
• See How do I cite in my text? for more tips on in-text citations.
• View some common reference list examples on the Writing Center's website. 

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! 

Do you have other general writing questions? E-mail the Writing Center at writingsupport@waldenu.edu.

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at editor@waldenu.edu.

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.