Merriam-Webster Dictionary review

How do you search for the definition of a word, if you don’t know how to spell it? You can try your best using a google search and click the “did you mean” suggestion, or if you have an iPhone, you can now search for it by voice. Merriam-Webster Dictionary is a free iPhone app that gives you a powerful dictionary with audio pronunciation for words, synonyms, antonyms and even a voice search feature. The app gives you four tabs: Dictionary, Recent, Word of the Day, and About. From Dictionary is where you can type in the word you’re looking for.

One of the most notable features of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary iPhone app is its voice search. You can now also tap the Voice Search button that looks like a Microphone, and speek the word. Merriam-Webster Dictionary listens and automatically stops recording when you’re done speaking the word. If more than one result is found, you see a list of words to choose from. If only one word matches your recording, the app takes you to the definition page. Merriam-Webster Dictionary also pronounces words you find if you tap on the red speaker icon. The app uses an internet connection for both audio pronunciation and voice search, as well as word of the day, so you’ll need to be online for it to work. But thankfully, its basic dictionary search functions do work offline.

Another powerful feature in the app is that all the words on the page are hyperlinked to a definition page. So as you are reading the definition of a word, tap on any of the words in that page to read their definitions and so on. The app is ad supported but it is presented without too much distraction. You can also tap a button to go into “Reader View” which is a full screen mode that hides the navigation buttons. A must have reference app for your iPhone or iPod touch.

Here is a video demo of the Merriam Webster app on the iPhone

AppSafari Rating: 4.5/5

AppSafari review of Merriam-Webster Dictionary was written by Joe Seifi on January 6th, 2011 and categorized under App Store, Education, Featured, Free, Reference. Page viewed 9710 times, 4 so far today. Need help on using these apps? Please read the Help Page.