noun

lexicographer

lek-sih-KOG-ruh-fer

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Lexicographer (noun) means a person who writes or compiles a dictionary. Example: “The lexicographer spent months tracking down the first recorded use of the word.”

noun

a person who writes or compiles a dictionary.

"The lexicographer spent months tracking down the first recorded use of the word."

"A good lexicographer reads widely to spot new words entering the language."

"She trained as a lexicographer before joining the dictionary's editorial team."

How to use lexicographer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone whose job is putting dictionaries together.

When to use it

It is a formal, job-title word, used mainly when talking about dictionaries and their makers.

Memory tip

Don't confuse it with lexicologist, who studies the vocabulary of a language rather than compiling dictionaries.

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Easily confused with

lexicologist

Common pairings

a professional lexicographer the lexicographer's task trained as a lexicographer

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ spent months tracking down the first recorded use of the word.

Etymology

Lexicographer comes from French lexicographe with the ending -er added. The French word itself is built from Ancient Greek roots meaning of words and to write.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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dictionarian dictionarist

Rhymes for lexicographer

geographer biographer pornographer photographer stenographer oceanographer choreographer cinematographer

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Frequently asked questions

What does a lexicographer actually do?

A lexicographer researches, writes and compiles the entries that make up a dictionary.

Where does the word lexicographer come from?

It comes from French lexicographe, which was itself built from Ancient Greek roots meaning of words and to write.

Is lexicographer the same as linguist?

No, a lexicographer specifically compiles dictionaries, while a linguist studies language more broadly.

What is the meaning of lexicographer?

"lexicographer" (noun) means a person who writes or compiles a dictionary.