Citing Your Way to Bibliographic Bliss: A Guide to Online Dictionaries in Chicago Style
So, you've finally cracked the code to that pesky word you've been pondering for hours. You triumphantly look it up in your trusty online dictionary, feeling like a modern-day lexicographer. But then reality hits: you need to cite this digital gem in your paper, and gasp it’s in Chicago style! Fear not, intrepid researcher, for I shall guide you through this labyrinth of footnotes and bibliographies.
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| How Do You Cite An Online Dictionary In Chicago Style |
The Basics: It's All About the Details
First things first, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. When citing an online dictionary in Chicago style, you'll need to provide some key information:
- Title of the dictionary: This should be in italics.
- "s.v." (which stands for "sub verbo" or "under the word"): This indicates that you're citing a specific entry.
- Entry word: This is the word you looked up.
- Access date: Because online sources can change, you need to include the date you accessed the information.
- URL: This is the website address where you found the definition.
Footnotes: The Tiny Troubleshooters
Footnotes are those little numbers at the bottom of the page that lead to even tinier explanations. In the case of our online dictionary, a footnote would look something like this:
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. "serendipity," accessed March 15, 2024,
Bibliographies: The Grand Finale
Think of the bibliography as the after-party of your paper. It's where you list all your sources in alphabetical order. For our online dictionary, it would look like this:
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford: Oxford University Press, n.d.
Note: The "n.d." stands for "no date" because online dictionaries are constantly updated.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
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Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Forgetting the access date: Remember, online information is fluid. Providing an access date helps readers verify the information you used.
- Overlooking the URL: This is crucial for finding the source again.
- Panicking about the "s.v.": Don't stress! It's just a fancy way of saying "under the word."
How-To Questions
How to cite a specific definition within a dictionary entry? Include the specific definition or quote within quotation marks after the entry word.
How to cite an online dictionary with multiple authors or editors? List the editors or authors after the title of the dictionary.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
How to cite an online dictionary accessed through a library database? Include the database name and any relevant access information after the URL.
How to handle different editions of an online dictionary? If you know the edition, include it after the title. If not, use "n.d."
How to cite an online dictionary entry without an author? If no author is listed, start the citation with the title of the dictionary.
There you have it! You're now equipped to conquer the world of Chicago style citations for online dictionaries. Remember, practice makes perfect. Happy citing!
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