How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in Vancouver (ICMJE)
Learn how to cite a dictionary definition or entry in Vancouver format (ICMJE). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Vancouver Reference List Format
Here is the standard Vancouver format for citing a dictionary entry in your reference list:
Dictionary Name [Internet]. Word [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: URL
Vancouver Example for a Dictionary Entry
A complete Vancouver reference for a dictionary entry, formatted by the official Vancouver CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
1. Citation, n. In: Compendium English Dictionary [Internet]. 4th ed. Compendium Press; 2023 [cited 2026 Jan 10]. Available from: https://www.example.org/dictionary/citation
Matching in-text citation: (1)
Vancouver In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(1)
Narrative
The dictionary (1) defines...
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 Vancouver (ICMJE) 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 Vancouver 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: vancouver.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 Vancouver?
- To cite a dictionary entry in Vancouver (ICMJE), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
- What is the Vancouver format for a dictionary entry citation?
- The Vancouver format for a dictionary entry is: Dictionary Name [Internet]. Word [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: URL
- What does the in-text citation look like for a dictionary entry in Vancouver?
- In Vancouver, the in-text citation for the example above is (1)
Generate This Citation Automatically
Skip the manual formatting. Paste a DOI, URL, or ISBN into CitationEasy and get a perfectly formatted Vancouver citation in seconds.
Cite in Vancouver Now →Generate this citation
Paste a URL, DOI, ISBN, or the source details and get a finished Vancouver citation for a Dictionary Entry.
Open the Dictionary Citation Generator →Bibliography Studio
Saved citations build a full bibliography in the Studio