Top 10 American English Dictionaries to Improve Your Language Skills

A student sitting at a desk holding a dictionary and a pen while looking up a word to improve their American English skills.

If you are learning American English, having a good dictionary on hand is essential. Not only can it help you understand the meaning of words, but it can also improve your vocabulary and pronunciation. In this article, we will take a closer look at ten American English dictionaries that can help you achieve your language goals.

1. Longman Dictionary of American English

The Longman Dictionary of American English is a comprehensive dictionary that contains more than 183,000 words and phrases. It is a great resource for building your vocabulary, improving your reading comprehension, and writing in American English.

2. Webster

Webster's dictionary has been a trusted resource for American English learners for over 200 years. This popular dictionary includes more than 70,000 entries and provides clear definitions and pronunciations for each word.

3. New Oxford American Dictionary

The New Oxford American Dictionary is a comprehensive dictionary that contains more than 350,000 words and phrases. It is one of the largest American English dictionaries available and includes detailed definitions, synonyms, and example sentences.

4. A Pronouncing Dictionary of American English

If you are an ESL student, learning American English pronunciation can be challenging. The A Pronouncing Dictionary of American English is a great resource that can help you learn the correct pronunciation of 40,000 words. This dictionary includes both American and British English pronunciations.

5. Longman Photo Dictionary of American English

The Longman Photo Dictionary of American English is an illustrated dictionary that is perfect for students who are visual learners. This dictionary includes more than 4,000 words and phrases with accompanying pictures, making it easy to understand the meaning of each word.

6. Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

The Oxford Advanced American Dictionary is a comprehensive dictionary that is perfect for students from basic to advanced levels. It includes more than 185,000 words and phrases and provides clear definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.

7. A Frequency Dictionary of Contemporary American English

If you want to focus on the most commonly used words in American English, the A Frequency Dictionary of Contemporary American English is a great resource. This dictionary provides the 5,000 most frequently used words in American English, along with their frequency rank and example sentences.

10. Longman Handy Learner

If you need a dictionary that is easy to carry around, the Longman Handy Learner's Dictionary of American English is a great choice. This pocket-sized dictionary includes more than 22,000 words and phrases and is perfect for on-the-go learning.

8. Webster

The Webster's New World Basic Dictionary of American English is a simple, easy-to-use dictionary that includes 49,000 of the most commonly used words in American English. It is perfect for beginners who want to build their vocabulary and improve their understanding of American English.

9. Longman Study Dictionary of American English

The Longman Study Dictionary of American English is an excellent dictionary for students learning American English. It includes more than 45,000 words and phrases, along with detailed definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.

In conclusion, having a good American English dictionary can be a valuable resource for anyone learning the language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, there is a dictionary on this list that can help you achieve your language goals. So, choose the one that best suits your needs and start building your vocabulary today!