# encyclopedia

/ɪnˌsaɪkɫəˈpidiə/ (US) · /ɛnsˌaɪkləʊpˈiːdiə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/encyclopedia
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. reference work

noun · CEFR B1

a book or website that gives information on many subjects, often arranged from A to Z.

For teachers: a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various subjects, typically arranged alphabetically. While traditionally printed in multiple volumes, the term now frequently refers to digital databases.

- I looked up the history of Rome in the encyclopedia for my school project.
- Before the internet became the primary source of information, many families invested in a printed encyclopedia to help their children with research.

### 2. person with vast knowledge

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a person who knows a lot of facts about many different things.

For teachers: a person who possesses a vast and comprehensive range of knowledge. Often used metaphorically in the phrase 'a walking encyclopedia'.

- My grandfather is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to classic cars.
- The professor was a virtual encyclopedia of medieval history, able to cite obscure dates and names without ever consulting his notes.

### 3. summary of knowledge

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

a complete summary of all the information in a specific area of study.

For teachers: a comprehensive summary of a specific branch of knowledge or the entire circle of arts and sciences.

- The old text was intended to be an encyclopedia of all medical knowledge at the time.
- The philosopher's ultimate ambition was to compile a complete encyclopedia of human reason, categorising every possible thought and emotion.

## Examples

- I looked up the history of Rome in the encyclopedia.
- Before the internet became common, most families kept a printed encyclopedia on their bookshelves for school research.
- The digital age has largely replaced multi-volume printed encyclopedias with collaborative online platforms that can be updated in real time as new information emerges.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.