# vocabulary

/voʊˈkæbjəˌɫɛɹi/ (US) · /vəʊkˈæbjʊləɹi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. words a person knows

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 2. specialised words

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the special words used in a particular subject or job.

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

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

### 3. a word list

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 4. artistic style

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

- The architect used a modern vocabulary of glass and steel for the new library.
- The choreographer developed a unique movement vocabulary that blended classical ballet with contemporary street dance.

Usage: Used metaphorically to describe non-verbal expression.

## Examples

- Reading books is a great way to improve your vocabulary.
- The teacher noticed that the student's writing improved significantly after they started learning more academic vocabulary.
- While the basic vocabulary of a language allows for daily survival, mastering its technical nuances is essential for participating in professional or academic discourse at a high level.

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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.