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 In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Publisher, n.d.)
Narrative
Publisher (n.d.) 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 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.
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Cite in Harvard Now →Cite a Dictionary Entry in Other Styles
Dictionary Entry in APADictionary Entry in MLADictionary Entry in ChicagoDictionary Entry in VancouverDictionary Entry in IEEEDictionary Entry in AMADictionary Entry in TurabianDictionary Entry in CSEDictionary Entry in BibTeXDictionary Entry in NatureDictionary Entry in ACSDictionary Entry in OSCOLADictionary Entry in BluebookDictionary Entry in AGLCDictionary Entry in ASADictionary Entry in APSADictionary Entry in AAADictionary Entry in NLMDictionary Entry in ACMDictionary Entry in APSDictionary Entry in AIPDictionary Entry in CellDictionary Entry in ScienceDictionary Entry in PLOSDictionary Entry in BMJDictionary Entry in LancetDictionary Entry in JAMADictionary Entry in Elsevier HarvardDictionary Entry in Springer
Cite Other Sources in Harvard
Website in HarvardBook in HarvardJournal Article in HarvardYouTube Video in HarvardPodcast in HarvardNewspaper Article in HarvardPDF in HarvardInterview in HarvardSocial Media Post in HarvardGovernment Document in HarvardDissertation or Thesis in HarvardConference Paper in HarvardLecture or PowerPoint in HarvardImage or Photograph in HarvardMovie or Film in HarvardTV Show in HarvardSong or Music in HarvardCourt Case in HarvardPatent in HarvardEncyclopedia Entry in HarvardDataset in HarvardSoftware or App in HarvardPress Release in HarvardReport in Harvard