How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in OSCOLA (4th edition)
Learn how to cite a dictionary definition or entry in OSCOLA format (4th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
OSCOLA Bibliography Format
Here is the standard OSCOLA format for citing a dictionary entry in your bibliography:
OSCOLA Example for a Dictionary Entry
A complete OSCOLA reference for a dictionary entry, formatted by the official OSCOLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
“Citation, n.” <https://www.example.org/dictionary/citation> accessed January 10, 2026
Matching in-text citation: “Citation, n.” <https://www.example.org/dictionary/citation> accessed January 10, 2026.
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 OSCOLA (4th edition) 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 bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match OSCOLA 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: oscola.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 OSCOLA?
- To cite a dictionary entry in OSCOLA (4th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the OSCOLA format for a dictionary entry citation?
- The OSCOLA format for a dictionary entry is: “Citation, n.” <https://www.example.org/dictionary/citation> accessed January 10, 2026
- What does the in-text citation look like for a dictionary entry in OSCOLA?
- In OSCOLA, the in-text citation for the example above is “Citation, n.” <https://www.example.org/dictionary/citation> accessed January 10, 2026.
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