noun
OED
oh-ee-DEE
OED (noun) means the Oxford English Dictionary, the largest historical dictionary of the English language, which records the meaning, spelling and recorded history of words with dated quotations showing how each sense has been used over time. Example: “The OED traces the word back to the fourteenth century.”
noun
1
The Oxford English Dictionary, the largest historical dictionary of the English language, which records the meaning, spelling and recorded history of words with dated quotations showing how each sense has been used over time.
"The OED traces the word back to the fourteenth century."
"If it is not in the OED, someone has probably just made it up."
How to use OED
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShort for the Oxford English Dictionary.
When to use it
Neutral, common in academic and editorial writing. Always written in capitals.
Memory tip
Say the letters separately: O-E-D. It is never pronounced as a word.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
according to the OED
added to the OED
the OED defines
OED entry
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The _____ traces the word back to the fourteenth century.
Etymology
An initialism of Oxford English Dictionary.
Synonyms
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Oxford English Dictionary
Rhymes for OED
See all rhymes for OED →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the OED and a normal dictionary?
An ordinary dictionary tells you what a word means now; the OED tells you what it has meant throughout its recorded life, with dated quotations for every sense. That makes it a historical record rather than a quick reference, which is why it runs to hundreds of thousands of entries and millions of citations.
Is the OED the same as the Oxford Dictionary of English?
No, though the names are easily confused. The Oxford English Dictionary is the big historical dictionary; the Oxford Dictionary of English is a single-volume dictionary of current usage. They are different books from the same publisher.
Is the OED free?
The full OED is a paid subscription, but many public libraries and universities provide free access with a library card or student login.
What is the meaning of OED?
"OED" (noun) means the Oxford English Dictionary, the largest historical dictionary of the English language, which records the meaning, spelling and recorded history of words with dated quotations showing how each sense has been used over time.
