Italian Studies: Dictionaries

To find language dictionaries, both print and digital, try an Advanced Search in Omni. Search by subject:  "Italian language" AND dictionaries.

Dictionaries are either abridged (most commonly used words - generally one volume) or unabridged (virtually complete and multi-volume).

Dictionaries are either prescriptive (dictating, with authority, the correct usage) or descriptive (neutrally noting language trends).

There are many different types of dictionaries: etymological (language history), colloquial (slang), regional, visual, dialect, bilingual, unilingual, of expressions, of swear words, etc.

Every discipline of study has specialized dictionaries of the vocabulary used in that field.

Visit a research assistance desk at one of the libraries.

Call 416-736-5150 (press 3).