What do you need to know in order to look up a word in the dictionary

iOS 11 and later include a neat built-in dictionary feature that lets you quickly look up the definition of words on your iPhone or iPad, even if an internet connection is unavailable.

It's a handy recourse if someone breaks out a "big word" during a conversation, or you come across an expression in a book or on the web that you don't quite understand.

How to Get a Word Definition

1. On your iOS device, swipe right on the Lock screen or Home screen to display the Today view. Alternatively, swipe down on the Home screen to invoke the Search screen.
   
2. Tap the search field if it isn't already active, and begin typing the word that you want to define. (You can also tap the microphone icon and say the word – if you know how to pronounce it.)
   
3. Read the dictionary definition preview that appears in the search results, or tap it to see the extended definition.

How to Look Up a Word Within an App

If you come across a word you don't know in a document or email, or even when browsing the web, use the following method to look up its definition.

1. Tap and hold your finger on the word to highlight it.
   
2. Tap Look Up in the pop-up menu.
   
3. Read the dictionary definition preview that appears in the Look Up results, or tap it to see the extended definition.

To remedy this, scroll down to the bottom of the results screen and tap Manage Dictionaries. You'll be presented with a list of dictionaries available to you. Simply tap the ones you want to download and they'll be automatically installed on your device.

Finally, if you're seeking a more feature-rich lexical resource to explore words and phrases, check out the Terminology app for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]