APA Dictionary Citation: A Simple Guide

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Dictionaries are invaluable resources for research, providing definitions, etymologies, and usage examples that can enrich your understanding of a topic. When incorporating dictionary definitions into your academic work, it's crucial to cite them correctly to give credit to the source and avoid plagiarism. The American Psychological Association (APA) style provides specific guidelines for citing dictionaries, ensuring consistency and clarity in your citations. This guide will walk you through the process of citing dictionaries in APA format, covering both in-text citations and reference list entries.

Understanding APA Citation Basics

Before delving into the specifics of citing dictionaries, let's review the fundamental principles of APA citation. APA style emphasizes the author and date of the source, allowing readers to easily locate the original material. Citations are presented in two forms: in-text citations, which appear within the body of your paper, and reference list entries, which provide detailed information about the source at the end of your paper. In-text citations are brief, typically including the author's last name and the year of publication, while reference list entries offer a more comprehensive overview of the source, including the author, publication date, title, and source information. When citing a dictionary, you'll need to adapt these general principles to the unique characteristics of dictionary entries.

Why Cite Dictionaries?

Citing dictionaries may seem like a minor detail, but it's an essential aspect of academic integrity. When you use a dictionary definition to support your argument or clarify a concept, you're drawing upon the work of lexicographers and editors who have compiled and curated that information. Giving credit to the dictionary demonstrates that you've conducted thorough research and are engaging with established knowledge in your field. Moreover, citing dictionaries allows your readers to verify the definitions you're using and understand the nuances of your language choices. This transparency enhances the credibility of your work and strengthens your arguments. Proper citation also helps you avoid unintentional plagiarism, which can have serious consequences in academic settings.

Citing Dictionaries In-Text

In-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of information within the body of your paper. When citing a dictionary in APA format, the in-text citation should include the dictionary's name (or an abbreviation thereof) and the year of publication. If you're citing a specific word or definition, you can also include the entry word in the citation. Here are a few examples:

  • When using a definition directly in your sentence: "The term 'ubiquitous' is defined as 'existing or being everywhere at the same time' (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 2020)."
  • When paraphrasing a definition: The concept of resilience, as understood in psychology, refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2015).
  • When citing multiple definitions from the same dictionary: The word "affect" has both a verb and a noun form (Oxford English Dictionary, 2022).

Notice that the dictionary's name is italicized, and the year of publication is included in parentheses. If you're citing a specific entry, the word is enclosed in quotation marks. When using an abbreviation for the dictionary's name, be sure to introduce the abbreviation in the first citation and use it consistently throughout your paper. For example, you could use "M-W" for Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Remember, the goal of in-text citations is to provide concise information that directs readers to the full reference list entry for the source.

Variations in In-Text Citations

While the basic format for in-text citations remains consistent, there are some variations depending on the context of your citation. If you're citing a definition from an online dictionary, you can include the URL in the reference list entry, but it's not necessary to include it in the in-text citation. The dictionary's name and year of publication are sufficient. If the dictionary does not have a publication date, you can use "n.d." (for "no date") in place of the year. For example: "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, n.d.) defines anxiety disorders as..."

Additionally, if you're citing multiple entries from the same dictionary in the same paragraph, you don't need to repeat the dictionary's name and year in every citation. You can simply include the entry word in subsequent citations. For example: "The Oxford English Dictionary (2022) defines 'serendipity' as... Later, the definition of 'fortuitous' is also explored."

Creating Reference List Entries for Dictionaries

The reference list entry provides complete information about the source, allowing readers to locate it if they wish to consult it directly. The format for a dictionary reference list entry in APA style follows a general template, but there are some specific elements to consider. The basic format is as follows:

  • Author: In the case of dictionaries, the author is typically the name of the dictionary or the organization responsible for its publication (e.g., Merriam-Webster, American Psychological Association). If there are editors, you can include their names after the dictionary title.
  • Year: Provide the year of publication for the dictionary. If there is no publication date available, use "n.d."
  • Title: Italicize the title of the dictionary (e.g., Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary). If you're citing a specific entry, include the entry word in quotation marks after the dictionary title.
  • Source: For print dictionaries, you can include the publisher's name and location. For online dictionaries, provide the URL.

Here are some examples of reference list entries for different types of dictionaries:

  • Print dictionary:

    Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. (2020). Merriam-Webster.

  • Online dictionary:

    Oxford English Dictionary. (2022). Oxford University Press. https://www.oed.com/

  • Specific entry in an online dictionary:

    American Psychological Association. (2015). Resilience. APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/resilience

Notice the use of italics, quotation marks, and capitalization in these examples. Pay close attention to these details to ensure your reference list entries are accurate and consistent with APA style guidelines. When citing a specific entry from an online dictionary, including the URL makes it easy for readers to access the definition directly.

Additional Tips for Reference List Entries

  • If the dictionary has editors, include their names after the title, preceded by "Eds." For example: The Oxford Companion to English Literature (M. Drabble, Ed.).
  • If you're citing a specific edition of a dictionary, include the edition number in parentheses after the title. For example: Webster's New World Dictionary (4th ed.).
  • If the dictionary is part of a larger series or collection, you can include the series title in parentheses after the dictionary title. For example: The Cambridge Dictionary of American English (Cambridge Language Dictionaries).
  • When citing a dictionary with a frequently updated online version, you can include a retrieval date to indicate when you accessed the information. For example: Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Citing dictionaries in APA format may seem straightforward, but there are some common mistakes to be aware of. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

  • Failing to cite: Always cite a dictionary when you use a definition or concept from it in your work. Even if you're paraphrasing, you need to give credit to the source.
  • Incorrect in-text citations: Make sure your in-text citations include the dictionary's name (or abbreviation) and the year of publication. If you're citing a specific entry, include the entry word in quotation marks.
  • Incomplete reference list entries: Provide all the necessary information in your reference list entry, including the author, year, title, and source information. For online dictionaries, include the URL.
  • Inconsistent formatting: Pay attention to details such as italics, quotation marks, and capitalization. Ensure your citations are consistent with APA style guidelines.
  • Using outdated information: Dictionaries are updated periodically, so it's important to use the most recent edition available. Check the publication date and make sure your citations reflect the current version of the dictionary.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your dictionary citations are accurate and professional.

Conclusion

Citing dictionaries in APA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can properly acknowledge your sources, avoid plagiarism, and enhance the credibility of your work. Remember to include both in-text citations and reference list entries for any dictionary definitions or concepts you use in your paper. Pay attention to details such as the dictionary's name, publication date, and entry word, and ensure your citations are consistent with APA style guidelines. With a little practice, you'll be able to cite dictionaries confidently and effectively in your academic writing. For further information and examples, consult the official APA Style manual or visit the APA Style website.