- vocabulary */
- UK [vəʊˈkæbjʊlərɪ] / US [voʊˈkæbjəˌlerɪ]
noun
Word forms "vocabulary":
singular vocabulary plural vocabularies1) [countable/uncountable] all the words that a person knowsa wide vocabulary (= knowledge of a large number of words):a limited vocabulary:He has a wide vocabulary and loves crosswords.
expand your vocabulary (= learn new words):Her grammar isn't bad, but she has a limited vocabulary.
An average child will quickly expand his or her vocabulary.
a) [countable/uncountable] all the words in a particular languageenter the vocabulary:Technical developments give us a lot of new vocabulary.
The word "think tank" had entered the vocabulary by the 1960s.
b) the words used for talking about a particular subjecttechnical/specialized vocabulary:Try to avoid using too much technical vocabulary.
c) all the words used or produced by a computer program, game, or talking toyThe program has a vocabulary of 2,500 words.
2) [countable] a list of words and their meanings, especially in a book for learning a foreign language•something is not in/part of someone's vocabulary
— used for saying that someone will not accept a particular idea or possibilityThe word "failure" was simply not part of her vocabulary.
English dictionary. 2014.