lexicography

[ lek-si-kog-ruh-fee ]

noun

1. the writing, editing, or compiling of dictionaries.
2. the principles and procedures involved in writing, editing, or compiling dictionaries.

lexicography

/ ˌlɛksɪˈkɒɡrəfɪ; ˌlɛksɪkəˈɡræfɪk /

noun

1. the process or profession of writing or compiling dictionaries

Derived Forms

• lexicographic, adjective
• ˌlexiˈcographer, noun
• ˌlexicoˈgraphically, adverb

Other Words From

• lex·i·co·graph·ic [lek-si-koh-, graf, -ik, -si-k, uh, -], lex·i·co·graph·i·cal adjective
• lex·i·co·graph·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·lex·i·co·graph·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lexicography¹

First recorded in 1670–80; lexic(on) + -o- + -graphy

Example Sentences

Psychologist Tim Lomas created an interactive lexicography of emotion words in languages from Akkadian to Zulu, positing that expanded sentimental vocabularies enrich our inner lives.

From Washington Post

Webster, who corresponded with founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, saw lexicography as an act of patriotism.

From New York Times

She had trained in translation and lexicography — the practice of compiling dictionaries — when Oxford University Press hired her in 1991 to oversee the publication of a new reference guide to Canadian English.

From Washington Post

One of the main goals of historical lexicography is finding antedatings, as instances that push back the earliest known use of a term are called.

From New York Times

The English writer Eley Williams’s spirited first novel, “The Liar’s Dictionary,” is about lexicography.

From New York Times