The Dictionary provides definitions for selected words in page text. It can help when one unfamiliar term interrupts reading and you do not need an alternative version of the whole passage.
The default widget presents this tool on desktop rather than mobile.
Look up a word
- Open the widget and expand Helper.
- Enable Dictionary.
- Select a word in the page text, for example by double-clicking it.
- If the definition does not appear immediately, click while the word remains selected.
- Read the definition in the popup.
The lookup is based on selected text. Moving the pointer over text can show the dictionary indicator, but hovering by itself is not the same as submitting a selected word for lookup.
Choose a suitable selection
Start with one word. Selecting an entire paragraph or including punctuation can make a useful dictionary match less likely.
For example, on a page about an application process, select “eligibility” to look for a definition. Then reread the sentence to understand how that term is being used in context.
A general dictionary meaning may not explain an organization's special use of a term. Use the page's own explanation or contact information when the distinction matters.
Close the definition
Click outside the popup to dismiss it. Clear the text selection if you no longer want to look up that word.
To stop dictionary assistance, open the widget and turn Dictionary off.
Language and availability
Definitions depend on the language configured for the dictionary and on the available lookup service. Changing the widget's menu language does not by itself establish that definitions are available in the same language.
The tool needs a working connection when it requests a definition that is not already available in its current cache.
If a definition is missing
- Select only the word and try again.
- Check whether the word matches the dictionary's supported language.
- Try ordinary selectable text rather than text inside an image.
- Allow the request to finish before selecting another word.
Names, abbreviations, specialist terms, and inflected forms may not have a useful result.
Website owners should verify the configured dictionary language against the website content. If a whole explanation is difficult, see Using Easy Language or Reading the Plain Language Version.