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vocabulary

n.
US //voʊˈkæbjəˌɫɛɹi// UK //vəʊkˈæbjʊləɹi// vo·cab·u·lary
  1. 1 words a person knows (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    all the words that you know and use in a particular language.

    the total stock of words known or used by a specific individual.

    Example

    Reading every day is a great way to improve your English vocabulary.

    Example

    The student's receptive vocabulary was significantly larger than her productive one, allowing her to understand complex texts even if she could not yet write them.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to a person's general knowledge.
    • lexis
    • word power
    Pitfall
    I need to learn many vocabularies.
    I need to learn a lot of vocabulary.

    When referring to the general set of words you know, 'vocabulary' is usually uncountable. Use 'words' if you want to count them.

  2. 2 specialised words (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the special words used in a particular subject or job.

    the set of terms and phrases specific to a particular field, discipline, or activity.

    Example

    You need to learn the medical vocabulary before you can work in a hospital.

    Example

    The legal vocabulary used in the contract was so dense that the clients required a simplified summary to understand their obligations.

    Usage

    Can be used as a countable noun when comparing different fields.
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  1. 3 a word list (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a list of words, often with their meanings, used for learning or reference.

    a list or collection of words, typically arranged alphabetically and defined, intended for pedagogical or reference purposes.

    Example

    There is a short vocabulary at the back of each chapter in the textbook.

    Example

    The teacher provided a comprehensive vocabulary of technical terms to ensure the students could follow the advanced physics lecture.

    Usage

    Commonly used as a countable noun in this sense.
  2. 4 artistic style (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    the range of styles, shapes, or techniques used by an artist or designer.

    a range of artistic or stylistic forms, symbols, or techniques characteristic of a particular movement or creator.

    Example

    The architect used a modern vocabulary of glass and steel for the new library.

    Example

    The choreographer developed a unique movement vocabulary that blended classical ballet with contemporary street dance.

    Usage

    Used metaphorically to describe non-verbal expression.
Origin

Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin vocābulārium. Doublet of vocabularium.

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