The Oxford Dictionary is a prestigious and widely recognized reference source, providing authoritative definitions and explanations of words and phrases. When citing the Oxford Dictionary, it is essential to follow proper citation guidelines to maintain academic integrity and credibility. Here, we will explore five ways to cite the Oxford Dictionary, ensuring that you can accurately and effectively incorporate its definitions into your work.
Understanding Citation Styles
Before delving into the citation methods, it’s crucial to understand the primary citation styles used in academic writing: MLA, APA, Chicago, and Harvard. Each style has its unique formatting guidelines, and it’s essential to choose the style that best suits your needs. The Oxford Dictionary can be cited in various formats, depending on the style you’re using.
MLA Citation Style
In MLA style, citing the Oxford Dictionary involves including the dictionary’s title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined. For example: “Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 2020. ‘Algorithm’.” This citation style is commonly used in humanities and liberal arts fields.
| Citation Element | MLA Format |
|---|---|
| Dictionary Title | Oxford English Dictionary |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Word or Phrase | 'Algorithm' |
APA Citation Style
In APA style, citing the Oxford Dictionary requires including the dictionary’s title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined, as well as the URL or DOI (if accessed online). For example: “Oxford English Dictionary. (2020). Algorithm. Retrieved from https://www.oed.com/” This citation style is commonly used in social sciences and education fields.
| Citation Element | APA Format |
|---|---|
| Dictionary Title | Oxford English Dictionary |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Word or Phrase | Algorithm |
| URL or DOI | https://www.oed.com/ |
Chicago Citation Style
In Chicago style, citing the Oxford Dictionary involves including the dictionary’s title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined, as well as the page numbers (if applicable). For example: “Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. ‘Algorithm,’ Oxford University Press, 2020.” This citation style is commonly used in history, philosophy, and arts fields.
| Citation Element | Chicago Format |
|---|---|
| Dictionary Title | Oxford English Dictionary |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Word or Phrase | 'Algorithm' |
| Page Numbers | (if applicable) |
Harvard Citation Style
In Harvard style, citing the Oxford Dictionary requires including the dictionary’s title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined, as well as the page numbers (if applicable). For example: “Oxford English Dictionary 2020, ‘Algorithm’, Oxford University Press.” This citation style is commonly used in business, economics, and engineering fields.
| Citation Element | Harvard Format |
|---|---|
| Dictionary Title | Oxford English Dictionary |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Word or Phrase | 'Algorithm' |
| Page Numbers | (if applicable) |
Bibliographic Citation Style
In bibliographic citation style, citing the Oxford Dictionary involves including the dictionary’s title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined, as well as the editor’s name (if applicable). For example: “Oxford English Dictionary. Edited by John Simpson, Oxford University Press, 2020. ‘Algorithm’.” This citation style is commonly used in library and information science fields.
| Citation Element | Bibliographic Format |
|---|---|
| Dictionary Title | Oxford English Dictionary |
| Editor's Name | John Simpson |
| Publication Date | 2020 |
| Word or Phrase | 'Algorithm' |
Key Points
- Choose the citation style that best suits your needs, considering the field of study and the requirements of your institution.
- Include the dictionary's title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined in your citation.
- Use the correct formatting guidelines for your chosen citation style, including punctuation, capitalization, and indentation.
- Ensure that you include the URL or DOI (if accessed online) in your citation, as required by some citation styles.
- Use bibliographic citation style when citing the Oxford Dictionary in library and information science fields.
What is the most commonly used citation style for citing the Oxford Dictionary?
+The most commonly used citation style for citing the Oxford Dictionary is the MLA style, which is widely used in humanities and liberal arts fields.
How do I cite the Oxford Dictionary in APA style?
+To cite the Oxford Dictionary in APA style, include the dictionary’s title, publication date, and the word or phrase being defined, as well as the URL or DOI (if accessed online). For example: “Oxford English Dictionary. (2020). Algorithm. Retrieved from https://www.oed.com/”
What is the difference between MLA and APA citation styles?
+MLA and APA citation styles differ in their formatting guidelines, including punctuation, capitalization, and indentation. MLA style is commonly used in humanities and liberal arts fields, while APA style is commonly used in social sciences and education fields.
