glossary

[ glos-uh-ree, glaw-suh- ]

noun

, plural glos·sa·ries.

1. a list of terms in a special subject, field, or area of usage, with accompanying definitions.
2. such a list at the back of a book, explaining or defining difficult or unusual words and expressions used in the text.

glossary

/ ɡlɒˈsɛərɪəl; ˈɡlɒsərɪ /

noun

1. an alphabetical list of terms peculiar to a field of knowledge with definitions or explanations Sometimes calledgloss

Derived Forms

• glossarial, adjective
• glosˈsarially, adverb
• ˈglossarist, noun

Other Words From

• glos·sar·i·al [glo-, sair, -ee-, uh, l, glaw-], adjective
• glos·sari·al·ly adverb
• glossa·rist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of glossary¹

1350–1400; Middle English glossarye < Latin glōssarium difficult word requiring explanation < Greek glōssárion, diminutive of glôssa tongue, language; later taken as a collection of such words, by construing suffix as Latin -ārium -ary; gloss ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of glossary¹

C14: from Late Latin glossārium; see gloss ²

Example Sentences

In addition to the well-chronicled “Hitler” jab, he used a whole glossary of words like “idiot” to describe Trump, called himself “a Never Trump guy” and said he “never liked him.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said one authority on the issue is the American Meteorological Society, which maintains a glossary of such terms.

From Los Angeles Times

Clarkson’s group has a broader glossary of terms, including some that provide relevant context.

From Salon

A glossary is available to help consumers better understand the information displayed on the label.

From Seattle Times

A good glossary at the back of the book helps you decode the information.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dictionary
• vocabulary