Using Glossaries and Dictionaries to Define Words Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.3.4.D

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

There is a lost art for using paper references to find the meaning of new words that we come across. As a society we are so quick to do a web search that we forget what is available to us. When you come across a word that frustrates you just head to your local book section. A glossary is a list of words that are used pretty regularly, but are often unknown by readers of that work. These worksheets will help students become more proficient with the use of glossaries and dictionaries.

Glossaries and Dictionaries Worksheets:

Anatomy of a Dictionary Entry – This is a complete breakdown of what you find in most dictionaries. It might be a little too detailed.

All About a Word – These questions are all based on three words (intrigue, clarify, and ideology).

Talk Like A Fisherman – We work on the use of guide words and definitions within those words.

History of Washington D.C. – Use the predefined words to complete the body of work.

Word Appeal – All things here are lake related.

Multiple Means – Some words have many different meanings, or can be used in many different ways.

Digital Dictionaries – Dictionaries are not only in printed books. Modern dictionaries can also be found online.

Thunderstorm! – The meteorologist is calling for a 30% chance of precipitation. The sun recedes. Cumulus clouds gather in the afternoon, and there is a severe thunderstorm warning.

Glossaries – Read this glossary from a book about art. Then use the glossary to complete the sentences below.

Charting the Dictionary – This pirate crab is trying to create a map of the dictionary. Help him out by correctly labeling all of the dictionary's "landmarks"!

Using Guide Words – Guide words are the words at the top of a dictionary page that tell you the first and last words on that page.

Guide Words – Put the entry words below in the correct alphabetical order.

Using the Dictionary – Use the entry words to fill in the blanks.

Breaking Down The Dictionary – Use the dictionary entries of "away" and "last" to help you solve these.

Wow! Guide Words – Sort the words below onto the correct dictionary page according to the guide words.

What are Glossaries and Dictionaries Used for?


Glossaries are lists of uncommon and difficult words and phrases. They are generally found at the end of books, research papers, manuals, etc. A glossary is not just a simple list of words, but it also provides a precise explanation and description with every word and phrases. For the readers' ease, the list of words provided by a glossary is always in the alphabetical order.


Glossaries typically include words that are present in the book which they belong to. People refer to glossaries when they fail to understand any word, phrase or concept in the book they are studying. Glossaries are often known as mini dictionaries by many people. Students get great help from glossaries because there are certain words which are only available in their books' glossaries and not dictionaries.


While a glossary is just based on a few pages, dictionaries are dedicated online and physical books for words' meanings. Dictionaries include almost all possible words from the English language. Each word in a dictionary is identified as noun, pronoun, verb, etc. to make the concept of word class easy. Moreover, most dictionaries also have short sentences written with every word. This helps people understand the proper usage of words.


The purpose of dictionaries is not just confined to checking meanings. People also look up dictionaries to understand pronunciations. Online dictionaries have audios of pronunciation while books have phonetic pronunciations. You can also refer to a dictionary to check if a word actually exists. Dictionaries are very useful in cases where a word has different meanings and it becomes difficult to comprehend it. A dictionary provides all the possible definitions of such words.


Technological advancements have replaced physical glossaries and dictionaries. Previously you had to visit a bookstore to buy a dictionary, but now they are commonly available on the internet. You can easily download them in your phones or use credible dictionary websites to clear out confusions related to words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Anatomy of Dictionaries Preview