12 Dictionary Apps to Help You Learn English

08.07.2022

Vasilisa A.

Author's articles: 194

 12 Dictionary Apps to Help You Learn English

There are numerous ways to memorize new words to enrich your vocabulary. The most effective one, perhaps, is writing all the newcomers down and putting those in sentences. At the same time, English students mostly know new words from cinema, series, small talks, and deep conversations. That is not comfortable to binge or socialize with a notebook, right? 

So, there are countless digital dictionaries, which can make your learning process much smoother. Below you can find the most consummate apps for IOS, and Androids. 

What Kind of Dictionary is Useful?

One can understand if the dictionary app is suitable, depending on functions and goals expected. 

One wants the app to be at the same time a tool for training vocabulary and a dictionary itself. Others want to use it to find some native lexis and slang. 

To understand what suits you the perfect, ask yourself 

  • if it must be online or offline; 
  • if you have enough memory space on your phone to download a comprehensive dictionary; 
  • if you need your dictionary app to have just translations, meanings, or synonyms;
  • if it matters to you that the app has a good-looking and user-friendly interface;
  • if your dictionary app needs to apply to other apps, e.g. online readers you use.

After that, look at the list below and take your pick.

The more complex and multifaceted the study of English is, the faster you will get an excellent result. Look for an English tutor on the UpSkilTutor marketplace.

How to Choose Dictionary App

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Top of the Best English Dictionary Apps for Students and Teachers

Vocabulary.com

OS: iOS, Android

Available: online 

Price: Paid

Special features. This dictionary app:

  • acceptable for beginners, as it has clear and easy-to-understand definitions
  • shows to users ways of words usage
  • has a game for memorizing new words

Dictionary.com

OS: iPhone, iPad, Android

Available: offline

Price: Free with premium options

Special features. This dictionary app:

  • has a simple interface and is comfortable to use
  • saves all vocabulary you searched 
  • has a word-of-the-day function to enrich your vocabulary 
  • has paragraphs on words' history and origin

Merriam-Webster

OS: iOS, Android

Available: both online and offline

Price: Free

Special features. This dictionary app:

  • has audio functions: one can find words' meaning by pronouncing them if its spelling is problematic. 
  • has advanced definitions, which makes this app excellent for all those who want to progress faster
  • has a function of saving your favorite or complicated for memorizing words
  • has a word-of-the-day rubric to enrich your vocabulary 
  • tracks users` history of searches.

Read more: What Does It Mean “What Have You Been Up To”?

How to Choose Dictionary App

Google Translate

OS: iOS, Android

Available: both online and offline

Price: Free

Special features. This dictionary app:

  • has more than 130 languages available 
  • supports voice-to-text options
  • can translate from images to texts using a camera 
  • can translate whole texts and sentences, not just words

Urban Dictionary

OS: iOS, Android

Available: online 

Price: Free

Special features. This dictionary app: 

  • made and updated by users
  • has a rich vocabulary of slang words, which makes it great for advanced learners to deeper understand culture and humor
  • its definitions always come with the usage examples
  • its definitions of usual words are composed in a comical fashion





Wolfram Words Reference App

OS: iOS

Available: online 

Price: Paid

Special features. This dictionary app: 

  • contains not just definitions but also history, origin, and first fixed cases of usage
  • has stats on how often word is used
  • can help in translating into Braille.

Advanced English Dictionary and Thesaurus

OS: Android, iOS

Available: both online and offline

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Special features. This dictionary app: 

  • has more than 1.5 million words
  • contains not only definitions but also synonyms and antonyms for better understanding 

Longman Dictionary of English

OS: Android and iOS 

Available: online 

Price: Paid

Special features. This dictionary app: 

  • is a blend of two dictionaries, which helps users to choose the correct word and collocation 
  • has grammar resources









Dict Box Offline Dictionary

OS: Android and iOS 

Available: both online and offline

Price: Free with a paid premium version

  • supports over twenty languages 
  • includes a thesaurus 
  • can correct spelling 
  • has usage examples 

Read more: Ten Best YouTube Channels for Learning English

How to Choose Dictionary App

Concise English Dictionary and Thesaurus

OS: iOS only

Available: online 

Price: Paid

Special features

  • has short and clear definitions, perfect for beginners  
  • contains a visual thesaurus
  • includes synonyms and antonyms for every word

WordWeb

OS: Android only

Available: both online and offline

Price: Free

Special features. This dictionary app: 

  • is simple to use, has a comfortable interface
  • has a thesaurus 
  • supports pronunciation correcting function
  • can show you similar words with different meanings and vice versa

English Dictionary

OS: Android only

Available: both offline and online

Price: Free

Special features. This dictionary app: 

  • is interactive & can develop your vocabulary with both a flesh-cards function and a hangman-like game 
  • includes grammar resources and lessons
  • supports both American and British spellings

For a more systematic and complex study of English, contact a tutor. Find your best teacher in the UpSkillTutor education marketplace.

Read more: What is the Difference Between Despite and In Spite of?

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Vasilisa A.

Author Vasilisa A.

Vasilisa is an English Philology student and an experienced content writer. She loves animals, learning new languages, and gaining new skills.

Author's articles: 194

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12 Dictionary Apps to Help You Learn English

What Kind of Dictionary is Useful??

One can understand if the dictionary app is suitable, depending on functions and goals expected. One wants the app to be at the same time a tool for training vocabulary and a dictionary itself. Others want to use it to find some native lexis and slang. Read more on UpskillsTutor

How to Choose Dictionary?

To understand what suits you the perfect, ask yourself if it must be online or offline; if you have enough memory space on your phone to download a comprehensive dictionary; if you need your dictionary app to have just translations, meanings, or synonyms; if it matters to you that the app has a good-looking and user-friendly interface; if your dictionary app needs to apply to other apps, e.g. online readers you use. Read more on UpskillsTutor

What is the Best English Dictionary App?

Vocabulary.com OS: iOS, Android Available: online Price: Paid Special features. This dictionary app: acceptable for beginners, as it has clear and easy-to-understand definitions shows to users ways of words usage has a game for memorizing new words. Read more on UpskillsTutor

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