Research Guides: Online Encyclopedias & Dictionaries: Language Dictionaries

English and bilingual dictionaries

Oxford Language Dictionaries Online This link opens in a new window
The online bilingual dictionaries include words and phrases available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. The dictionaries can be searched or browsed, phonetic symbols are explained, and references can be emailed or exported to bibliographical software. Other features include audible pronunciation, grammatical notes, guides to cultural events of each country, and hints for writing in a variety of situations and formats.
Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
Coverage: 2nd and New Editions
The OED describes English as it is today, but also records the history and development of the language through descriptive techniques and quotations. Funded by the Maryland Digital Library (MDL).

Literature Online: Reference (ProQuest)
Provides access to over 25 encyclopedias, handbooks, and other literature reference sources. Titles include "The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature," and "Handbook of African American Literature."