The advanced learner's dictionary is the most common type of monolingual learner's dictionary, that is, a dictionary written in one language only, for someone who is learning a foreign language. It differs from a bilingual or translation dictionary, a standard dictionary written for native speakers, or a children's dictionary. Its definitions are usually built on a restricted defining vocabulary. "Advanced" usually refers learners with a proficiency level of B2 or above according to the Common European Framework. Basic learner's dictionaries also exist.
Although these advanced dictionaries have been produced for learners of several languages (including Chinese, Dutch, German, and Spanish), the majority are written for learners of English.
Printed The best-known advanced learner's dictionaries are: Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, first published in 1948 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, first published in 1978 Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary, first published in 1987 Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, first published in 1995 as the Cambridge International Dictionary of English Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners, first published in 2002 Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's English Dictionary, first published in 2008
The Macmillan dictionary is no longer being maintained: it went online-only in the 2010s and shut down entirely in 2023. So there are four popular learner's dictionaries for British English that are still active, while Merriam-Webster's aims for American English in particular.
Online Online dictionary resources provide attractive support to advanced learners. The Open Dictionary of English is specifically designed to serve as a learner's dictionary. Visitors can register for free, adaptive tutoring, which seamlessly integrates with the dictionary.
See also Comparison of English dictionaries
Further reading
External links Crowdsourced Open Dictionary of English Wordnik Wiktionary Commercial Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary Collins COBUILD Advanced Dictionary Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Macmillan English Dictionary Online Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's English Dictionary Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary