Guide to the Oxford English Dictionary

---

What is the Oxford English Dictionary?

The Oxford English Dictionary, or the OED, is a dictionary based on historical principles, which means that it not only records the current meanings of words, but also relates the history and development of the English language from approximately 1150 AD. The entry for each word includes all its known definitions arranged in chronological order, including obsolete meanings and variant spellings. These definitions are supported by evidence of their use in the form of quotations taken from verifiable written sources. The OED does not attempt to define "correct" English, it seeks to describe the language as it has been spoken and written throughout history. The Web version combines the 20-volume Second Edition, first published in 1989, and the 3-volume Additions Series, published in 1993 (volumes 1 and 2) and 1997 (volume 3). The OED is updated quarterly. The quarterly updates must be viewed separately.

The variations of English that are addressed in the OED are British English, American English, Australian English, New Zealand English, the Englishes of the Indian subcontinent, Southern Africa, and the Caribbean, among others.

Searching

Please note that the OED will search all versions of its data and that these results will be clearly labeled according to edition in the top right corner of the screen.

Basic Searching

In order to look up the meaning of a word or phrase, simply type your query into the upper right hand corner at the top of any screen. The results of your search will provide links to thorough definitions. You may opt for the following information by choosing from the menu at the top of the screen:

• pronunciation
• spelling(s)
• etymology
• quotations
• date chart

Advanced Searching

Use the mouse to click on the Search menu at the bottom of the screen. A search window will appear on the left side of the screen. You may choose to complete any one of the following search options for a specific word:

• full-text
• earliest date
• definitions (an example is shown below)
• etymologies (an example is shown below)
• quotations (an example is shown below)
• quotation date
• quotation author (an example is shown below)
• quotation work
• quotation text

Example:
A search for the word "whey" under the definitions option produced several results. One of the results looks like this:

4 curd, n. 1362 of the whey ; curd soap, a white

4 refers to the search result number. The n after curd tells you that it is a noun. 1362 refers to the year that the meaning was in use. The underlined words curd and whey are linked to complete definitions.

Example:
A search for the word "whey" under the etymologies option produced several results regarding the origin and history of this word. One of the results looks like this:

1 bland, n.2 1703 of hot whey mixed with water,' Vigfusson: cf.

The underlined words bland and whey are linked to further etymological discussions. This entry tells you that Vigfusson used the word whey in this context in the year 1703 containing use of the word in the year 1752.

Example:
A search for the word "whey" under the quotations option produced several results. One of the results looks like this:

1 balm, n. III. 131 Whey at 7 this morning and 1752

The underlined words balm and whey are linked to complete quotations.

Example:
A search for quotations by Jane Austen produced 1,077 results, listed in alphabetical order. One of the results looks like this:

7 address, v. 1814 Jane Austen Mansfield Park III. i. 19

The underlined words address and Jane Austen are linked to a definition of the word and the complete quotation credited to the author, respectively. The v after the word address indicates that it is a verb.

Advanced Searching (More Options)

Once you have chosen to do an advanced search, click on the "More Options" button located below the choices listed for a basic search. An advanced search will help you to locate more precise information through these new options:

• Section:
  1 word
  2 words or fewer
  5 words or fewer
  10 words or fewer
  section



• Sequence:
  before
  after
  before or after

Example:
A search for the word "whey" may be refined by indicating the position of the sought word. In a full-text search, I looked for the word "whey" in the section of 10 words or fewer, in the sequence before cheese. One of the results is:

5 1837 Schabzieger Kase (German-scraped whey cheese ), hard greenish cheese used

The underlined words Schabzieger, whey, and cheese all link to further information.

Processing Your Search Results

In the lower right corner of the screen, you will have the following options:

• Print - print your results from the screen.
• Mail - email your results.
• Help - for further assistance.

When you have finished using the OED, simply sign out by selecting the "Sign Out" button at the lower right corner of the screen.

The Help option of the OED is especially useful. Another guide to the general contents of the OED is the book entitled, A Guide to the Oxford English Dictionary, which is also available in the Reference area, PE1617.O94 B47 1993.

---

Please contact the Reference Desk for additional help, (816) 235-1534.