Word
glossary
Phoneticsglos·sary
US/ˈɡɫɔsɝi/
UK/ɡlˈɒsəɹi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a list of special or difficult words and their meanings, usually found at the back of a book. You use it to quickly check the definition of a term you do not know.
n. an alphabetical list of terms relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, accompanied by explanations. Often located in the back matter of a technical or academic publication.
Examples
“Check the glossary at the back of the book for the definition.”
“The textbook includes a comprehensive glossary to help students master the complex terminology used in each chapter.”
“While the main text avoids jargon, the author provided an extensive glossary to ensure that readers could reference the precise legal definitions of the terms discussed.”
Examples
simple
“Check the glossary at the back of the book for the definition.”
contextual
“The textbook includes a comprehensive glossary to help students master the complex terminology used in each chapter.”
complex
“While the main text avoids jargon, the author provided an extensive glossary to ensure that readers could reference the precise legal definitions of the terms discussed.”
Usage
Typically takes the preposition 'of' when specifying the subject matter ('a glossary of medical terms').
Real-World Examples
“To support readers who might not be familiar with te reo Māori, Waerea provided a glossary of Māori phrases translated into English.” Etymology
From Middle English glosarie, from Latin glossārium, from Ancient Greek γλῶσσα (glôssa, “tongue”). Doublet of glossarium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/glossary