vocabulary

Vocabulary is the all the language and words either used or understood by a person or group of people.

(noun)

  1. An example of vocabulary is all the words that a toddler understands.
  2. An example of vocabulary is the language used by doctors.

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See vocabulary in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. vocabularies

  1. a list of words and, often, phrases, abbreviations, inflectional forms, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined or otherwise identified, as in a dictionary or glossary
  2. all the words of a language
    1. all the words used by a particular person, socioeconomic group, profession, etc.
    2. all the words recognized and understood, although not necessarily used, by a particular person
  3. an interrelated group of nonverbal symbols, signs, gestures, etc. used for communication or expression in a particular art, skill, etc.

Origin: ML vocabularium < L vocabulum, a word: see vocable

See vocabulary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. vo·cab·u·lar·ies
  1. All the words of a language.
  2. The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.
  3. A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
  4. A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication: a dancer's vocabulary of movement.

Origin:

Origin: French vocabulaire

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin vocābulārium

Origin: , from neuter of vocābulārius, of words

Origin: , from Latin vocābulum, name; see vocable

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