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Glite Dictionary
pocket dictionary

pocket dictionary

1 2.5
A small book of words you can carry in your pocket or bag
  • noun
  • /ˈpɑkɪt ˈdɪkʃəˌnɛri/
translation icon : diccionario de bolsillo
  • He means my pocket dictionary.
  • English pocket dictionary

Examples

  • By the way, all I had in my luggage was a bunch of clothes, my toiletries, my Bible, a pocket dictionary, and some souvenirs for my family.

    Blog text (21)

  • I take out my pocket dictionary and flip through the pages.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • I spotted a small shop with a green cross outside, so I pulled my pocket dictionary from my purse.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • If I had any extensive questions I needed answered while walking around Valparaiso, I made sure I had my pocket dictionary on hand.

    Blog text (3)

  • I often use my pocket dictionary to help me understand new words while traveling.

  • Before the exam, I made sure to review my pocket dictionary for important terms.

  • While studying in a café, I took out my pocket dictionary to look up a phrase I heard.

Synonyms

dictionary
vspocket dictionary
165 1.0

A book or website that lists words and shows their meanings

is smaller and made to be carried easily on the person

How Portable

pocket dictionary
1 2.5
dictionary
165 1.0

Surface Forms

pocket dictionary singular
pocket dictionaries plural

Morphology

pocket + dictionary

The compound 'pocket dictionary' is directly compositional: 'pocket' (small pouch) modifies 'dictionary' to indicate a small, portable dictionary, so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the meaning. This modifier+noun pattern is common cross-linguistically (e.g., Spanish 'diccionario de bolsillo'), making the sense predictable and immediately comprehensible.

Etymology

Pocket dictionary The name pocket dictionary comes from the simple image of a small dictionary that fits in a pocket. So, because you could easily carry it, it means 'a small dictionary for quick reference'.