How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in Harvard (Cite Them Right)
Learn how to cite a dictionary definition or entry in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Harvard Reference List Format
Here is the standard Harvard format for citing a dictionary entry in your reference list:
Dictionary Name (Year) 'Word'. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).
Harvard Example for a Dictionary Entry
A complete Harvard reference for a dictionary entry, formatted by the official Harvard CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
“Citation, n.” (2023) Compendium English Dictionary. 4th ed. Compendium Press. Available at: https://www.example.org/dictionary/citation (Accessed: January 10, 2026).
Matching in-text citation: (“Citation, n.,” 2023)
Harvard In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Publisher, n.d.)
Narrative
Publisher (n.d.) defines...
Key Harvard Formatting Rules
- Use the dictionary name as the author when no individual author is given.
- Put the defined term in single quotation marks.
- Include 'Available at:' with the URL of the entry.
- End with the accessed date in parentheses because online entries change.
- Cite the dictionary name and year in the text.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your dictionary entry.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Harvard (Cite Them Right) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Harvard requirements.
Evidence and review notes
Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.
CSL style record: harvard.csl
Metadata to collect
- dictionary name
- publisher
- the term defined
- edition or year
- entry URL
- date accessed
Common metadata traps
- Online entries change; record the date you accessed the entry.
- Link to the specific entry, not the dictionary homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cite a dictionary entry in Harvard?
- To cite a dictionary entry in Harvard (Cite Them Right), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the Harvard format for a dictionary entry citation?
- The Harvard format for a dictionary entry is: Dictionary Name (Year) 'Word'. Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).
- What does the in-text citation look like for a dictionary entry in Harvard?
- In Harvard, the in-text citation for the example above is (Publisher, n.d.)
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