noun
B1
Intermediate
encyclopaedia
ihn-seye-kluh-PEE-dee-uh
Encyclopaedia (noun) means a reference work covering many subjects in organized articles, usually alphabetically; the standard British spelling of encyclopedia. Example: “The old encyclopaedia set filled an entire bookshelf.”
noun
1
A reference work covering many subjects in organized articles, usually alphabetically; the standard British spelling of encyclopedia.
"The old encyclopaedia set filled an entire bookshelf."
How to use encyclopaedia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big reference book covering lots of topics — same word as "encyclopedia," just spelled the British way.
UK vs US
UK spelling is "encyclopaedia"; US spelling drops the "a" to give "encyclopedia."
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like encyclopaedia.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- encyclopaedias, encyclopaediae
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ set filled an entire bookshelf.
Etymology
A restored spelling of encyclopedia, borrowed via New Latin encyclopaedia.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for encyclopaedia
See all rhymes for encyclopaedia →Frequently asked questions
What does “encyclopaedia” mean?
The word “encyclopaedia” means a reference work covering many subjects in organized articles, usually alphabetically; the standard British spelling of encyclopedia. In plain terms, a big reference book covering lots of topics — same word as "encyclopedia," just spelled the British way.
How do you pronounce “encyclopaedia”?
“Encyclopaedia” is pronounced ihn-seye-kluh-PEE-dee-uh (/ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpi(ː).di.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “encyclopaedia” in a sentence?
Here is “encyclopaedia” used in a sentence: “The old encyclopaedia set filled an entire bookshelf.”
What part of speech is “encyclopaedia”?
“Encyclopaedia” is a noun.
Where does the word “encyclopaedia” come from?
The word “encyclopaedia” comes from New Latin. A restored spelling of encyclopedia, borrowed via New Latin encyclopaedia.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include encyclopaedia:
