Citing a Dictionary: A Painless Guide (Hopefully)
So, you've reached the pinnacle of academic achievement. You're citing a dictionary. Cue applause. Let's be honest, it's not the most thrilling part of research, but hey, it's got to be done. Let's dive into the wonderful world of Chicago Style dictionary citations.
The Basics: It's All About the Details
First things first, let's get the boring stuff out of the way. You're going to need some information:
- The word you looked up: This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised.
- The dictionary title: Don't forget the edition, if there is one.
- Publication information: City, publisher, and year.
How to Cite: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, now comes the fun part (said no one ever). Here's the general format for a dictionary citation in Chicago style:
Footnote:
- Author's Last Name, First Name (if known), "Word," in Dictionary Title, edition (City: Publisher, Year), page number.
Bibliography:
- Author's Last Name, First Name (if known). "Word." Dictionary Title, edition. City: Publisher, Year.
Example:
Footnote:
- Oxford University Press, "serendipity," in Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989), 12345.
Bibliography:
- Oxford University Press. "Serendipity." Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.
A Few Quick Tips
- No author? No problem! Just start with the dictionary title.
- Online dictionary? Include the access date and URL.
- Multiple words? Use "s.v." (sub verbo) before the word.
FAQs: Because You Probably Have Questions
How to cite an online dictionary? Include the access date and URL after the dictionary title.
How to cite a dictionary without an author? Start the citation with the dictionary title.
How to cite multiple words from a dictionary? Use "s.v." (sub verbo) before the first word.
How to cite a specific edition of a dictionary? Include the edition number after the dictionary title.
How to cite a dictionary in a footnote and bibliography? Follow the formats provided above for footnotes and bibliography entries.
And there you have it! You're now a dictionary citation expert. Go forth and impress your professors (or at least avoid their wrath).
Disclaimer: While I've tried to be informative and humorous, I'm not a professional citation guru. Always double-check with your style guide for specific requirements.
