encyclopedia
ihn-syk-luh-PEE-dee-uh
Encyclopedia (noun) means a reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects, usually arranged alphabetically or by category. Example: “She looked up the country's history in an old encyclopedia.”
noun
1
A reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects, usually arranged alphabetically or by category.
"I only use the library for the encyclopedia, as we’ve got most other books here."
"Pliny the Elder’s Natural History is a go-to source for understanding what ancient Romans believed about the world and the model for every encyclopedia since."
— Livia Gershon, The Numinous World of Pliny the Elder (2025)
"She looked up the country's history in an old encyclopedia."
"Online encyclopedias are updated far more often than printed ones."
"My old encyclopedia has been gathering dust on the shelf for the past decade."
How to use encyclopedia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big reference book (or website) covering many topics.
UK vs US
US spelling "encyclopedia"; UK spelling "encyclopaedia."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
online encyclopedia
encyclopedia entry
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Word forms
- Plural
- encyclopedias, encyclopediae, encyclopediæ
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She looked up the country's history in an old _____.
Etymology
From New Latin encyclopaedia, based on Ancient Greek enkyklios paideia, meaning "general education" or literally "education in a circle of knowledge."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for encyclopedia
See all rhymes for encyclopedia →Frequently asked questions
What does “encyclopedia” mean?
The word “encyclopedia” means a reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects, usually arranged alphabetically or by category. In plain terms, a big reference book (or website) covering many topics.
How do you pronounce “encyclopedia”?
“Encyclopedia” is pronounced ihn-syk-luh-PEE-dee-uh (/ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpidi.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “encyclopedia” in a sentence?
Here is “encyclopedia” used in a sentence: “She looked up the country's history in an old encyclopedia.”
What part of speech is “encyclopedia”?
“Encyclopedia” is a noun.
Where does the word “encyclopedia” come from?
The word “encyclopedia” comes from Ancient Greek. From New Latin encyclopaedia, based on Ancient Greek enkyklios paideia, meaning "general education" or literally "education in a circle of knowledge.".
Is “encyclopedia” a common word?
“Encyclopedia” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
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