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Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary
An essential dictionary for children grades 3-5, ages 8-11, this hardcover offers 36,000 entries with 200 new words & senses, many from technology & life sciences. Definitions are enriched with 1,300 quotes from classic and contemporary children's literature, providing examples of how words are used in sentances. Includes 900 vibrant, colorful illustrations, photographs, and diagrams. Offers 250 word history paragraphs and 130 synonym paragrahs.
Other features include Greek & Latin word root paragraphs, and student-friendly usge hints in full sentences.
Special sections include geographical names, signs and symbols, a guide for writers and a list of literary works used in the text.
Children's books from which example sentences are taken
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland--by Lewis Carroll
The Secret Garden--by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Black Stallion--by Walter Farley
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon--by Grace Lin
Mr. Popper's Penguins--by Richrd and Floence Atwater
Charlotte's Web--by E.B. White
Other features include Greek & Latin word root paragraphs, and student-friendly usge hints in full sentences.
Special sections include geographical names, signs and symbols, a guide for writers and a list of literary works used in the text.
Children's books from which example sentences are taken
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland--by Lewis Carroll
The Secret Garden--by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Black Stallion--by Walter Farley
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon--by Grace Lin
Mr. Popper's Penguins--by Richrd and Floence Atwater
Charlotte's Web--by E.B. White
824 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
44 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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September 29, 2013Book lovers tend to love dictionaries and also tend to have a few different copies lying around the house. (Our family's current number is five. I know. It might be a sickness.) But a dictionary that contains a plethora of quotes from children’s literature to help define the words? Guaranteed to become an instant favorite! Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary (for kids aged 8 through 12 years) was an instant hit with my girls when they saw that quotes from books they’ve read and loved are used to help provide context for the definitions. This book never stays shelved. I find it lying all over the house. As a book-loving, book-pushing mom, this makes me so happy.
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January 5, 2021I got this for Xander, its not getting used enough though.
July 16, 2025
Resurgence by armassy
Sub Snape Dom Harry
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November 16, 2016Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary. (2013). Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Citation by: Kristin White
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 423 Merr 2013
Content/Scope: This edition of Merriam-Webster's dictionary includes more than 36,000 entries appropriate and beneficial for elementary students to review and learn. Included in the pages are also hundreds of drawings and pictures, as well as key features that truly help students understand each term discussed. This dictionary was created with the Common Core Standards in mind to specifically help students and their teachers.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is one, if not the, world's most famous publisher/creator of dictionaries. This has been the case for years. The words included in this dictionary are appropriate, correctly written, and unbiased for elementary students.
Arrangement/Presentation: The words in this dictionary are arranged alphabetically, with guide words on each page. This edition also includes word history paragraphs, synonym paragraphs, and kid-friendly usage hints. Furthermore, there are special sections for geographical names and signs and symbols. The appendices also includes a punctuation guide for writers.
Relation to other works: This children's dictionary is an updated version of other elementary dictionaries, or an improvement upon the "first" dictionaries of the past. Aimed to reach grades 3-5, this dictionary goes a little further in developing the vocabulary of young learners.
Accessibility/Diversity: The pronunciation guides, pictures, drawings, maps, and symbols will assist many struggling readers in correctly identifying and reviewing tough vocabulary. As this dictionary contains over 36,000 entries, a variety of topics are covered.
Cost: $18.95
Professional Review: Prince, J. (2013). Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary. School Library Journal, 59(10), 1.
Citation by: Kristin White
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 423 Merr 2013
Content/Scope: This edition of Merriam-Webster's dictionary includes more than 36,000 entries appropriate and beneficial for elementary students to review and learn. Included in the pages are also hundreds of drawings and pictures, as well as key features that truly help students understand each term discussed. This dictionary was created with the Common Core Standards in mind to specifically help students and their teachers.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is one, if not the, world's most famous publisher/creator of dictionaries. This has been the case for years. The words included in this dictionary are appropriate, correctly written, and unbiased for elementary students.
Arrangement/Presentation: The words in this dictionary are arranged alphabetically, with guide words on each page. This edition also includes word history paragraphs, synonym paragraphs, and kid-friendly usage hints. Furthermore, there are special sections for geographical names and signs and symbols. The appendices also includes a punctuation guide for writers.
Relation to other works: This children's dictionary is an updated version of other elementary dictionaries, or an improvement upon the "first" dictionaries of the past. Aimed to reach grades 3-5, this dictionary goes a little further in developing the vocabulary of young learners.
Accessibility/Diversity: The pronunciation guides, pictures, drawings, maps, and symbols will assist many struggling readers in correctly identifying and reviewing tough vocabulary. As this dictionary contains over 36,000 entries, a variety of topics are covered.
Cost: $18.95
Professional Review: Prince, J. (2013). Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary. School Library Journal, 59(10), 1.
November 20, 2014
Merriam-Webster. (2013). Merriam-Webster’s elementary dictionary. Springfield, MA: Author.
Citation by: Stacie Alexander
Type of reference: Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 423
Content/Scope: This dictionary includes over 30,000 entries and has been updated since the 2009 version was published. Each definition includes pronunciation symbols, part of speech, synonyms cross-references, and a history of the word. Many entries include usage examples from popular children’s books. Some illustrations are included.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is a trusted source of dictionaries and their dictionaries are known to be accurate.
Arrangement/Presentation: The dictionary provides a visually appealing page layout for readers and many color additions to a typically all black and white reference book. The information is presented in an easy to read format that allows students to quickly find what they need.
Relation to other works: While the library currently has dictionaries, they are outdated. This reference will add new information to the collection and appeal to users.
Accessibility/Diversity: The dictionary includes many words that are age appropriate but many students struggle to use correctly or spell correctly. This book will allow all students in the building to have access to an appealing and updated dictionary.
Cost: $18.95
Professional review of the item: Prince, J. (2013). Merriam-Webster’s elementary dictionary. School Library Journal, 59(10), 1.
Citation by: Stacie Alexander
Type of reference: Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 423
Content/Scope: This dictionary includes over 30,000 entries and has been updated since the 2009 version was published. Each definition includes pronunciation symbols, part of speech, synonyms cross-references, and a history of the word. Many entries include usage examples from popular children’s books. Some illustrations are included.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is a trusted source of dictionaries and their dictionaries are known to be accurate.
Arrangement/Presentation: The dictionary provides a visually appealing page layout for readers and many color additions to a typically all black and white reference book. The information is presented in an easy to read format that allows students to quickly find what they need.
Relation to other works: While the library currently has dictionaries, they are outdated. This reference will add new information to the collection and appeal to users.
Accessibility/Diversity: The dictionary includes many words that are age appropriate but many students struggle to use correctly or spell correctly. This book will allow all students in the building to have access to an appealing and updated dictionary.
Cost: $18.95
Professional review of the item: Prince, J. (2013). Merriam-Webster’s elementary dictionary. School Library Journal, 59(10), 1.
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April 21, 2015Merriam-Webster. (2013). Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary. Merriam-Webster, Springfield: Mass.
Citation by: Brandy New
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: PE1628.5
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted to 3-5 grade. More about this in the arrangement and presentation section.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is well known and respected for their dictionaries. This is an edition with updates from 2009 but on in the series of many editions over the years.
Arrangement/Presentation: These 824 pages have so much more than an adult dictionary. The entries include standard dictionary fare such as definition, pronunciation and word origin. However, there are also 1,300 quotes with the defined word used from children’s literature. Also, 900 entries have full-color photos or illustrations.
Relation to other works: Children’s dictionaries are plentiful, but this one is comprehensive and accessible for a wide audience at the elementary level.
Accessibility/Diversity: The pictures and quotes will appeal to a diverse population as far as interest goes. The pictures also help the definitions be accessible to lower readers. The definitions are truly at the grade level listed so it makes the text accessible to a majority of the elementary school.
Cost: $18.95
Professional Review: Prince, J. (2013). Book Reviews: Reference. School Library Journal, Oct. 9, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2013/10/reviews/re...
Citation by: Brandy New
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: PE1628.5
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted to 3-5 grade. More about this in the arrangement and presentation section.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is well known and respected for their dictionaries. This is an edition with updates from 2009 but on in the series of many editions over the years.
Arrangement/Presentation: These 824 pages have so much more than an adult dictionary. The entries include standard dictionary fare such as definition, pronunciation and word origin. However, there are also 1,300 quotes with the defined word used from children’s literature. Also, 900 entries have full-color photos or illustrations.
Relation to other works: Children’s dictionaries are plentiful, but this one is comprehensive and accessible for a wide audience at the elementary level.
Accessibility/Diversity: The pictures and quotes will appeal to a diverse population as far as interest goes. The pictures also help the definitions be accessible to lower readers. The definitions are truly at the grade level listed so it makes the text accessible to a majority of the elementary school.
Cost: $18.95
Professional Review: Prince, J. (2013). Book Reviews: Reference. School Library Journal, Oct. 9, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2013/10/reviews/re...
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April 22, 2012Merriam-Webster's elementary dictionary New and expanded ed.;. (2009). Merriam-Webster.
Citation created by: Deana Chandler
Call Number: 423
Description: This is a dictionary designed for younger students. It incorporates pictures, illustrations, and diagrams to make this an easy to use resource for students.
Content/Scope: This dictionary contains more than 36,000 words. It includes Greek and Latin roots, and/or synonyms. The majority of entries include a sample sentence.
Arrangement/Presentation: More than 36,000 words are arranged alphabetically. It includes color illustrations and photographs, sample sentences, and quotations. Appendixes include full-color world and United States maps.
Accuracy/Authority: This resource has received positive reviews by reputable review sources.
Timeliness/Permanence: This basic dictionary should remain accurate for several years. It will need to be replaced as new words are added to the English language.
Relation to Similar Works: The Kingfisher Children's Illustrated Dictionary & Thesaurus is a similar work that includes a second section that is a thesaurus.
Cost: $17.95
Rational for Selection: This is a basic dictionary that is child-friendly. The overall design and illustrations make this an engaging option for young students.
Professional Review: School Library Journal, June 2009, Vol. 55, Issue 6
Citation created by: Deana Chandler
Call Number: 423
Description: This is a dictionary designed for younger students. It incorporates pictures, illustrations, and diagrams to make this an easy to use resource for students.
Content/Scope: This dictionary contains more than 36,000 words. It includes Greek and Latin roots, and/or synonyms. The majority of entries include a sample sentence.
Arrangement/Presentation: More than 36,000 words are arranged alphabetically. It includes color illustrations and photographs, sample sentences, and quotations. Appendixes include full-color world and United States maps.
Accuracy/Authority: This resource has received positive reviews by reputable review sources.
Timeliness/Permanence: This basic dictionary should remain accurate for several years. It will need to be replaced as new words are added to the English language.
Relation to Similar Works: The Kingfisher Children's Illustrated Dictionary & Thesaurus is a similar work that includes a second section that is a thesaurus.
Cost: $17.95
Rational for Selection: This is a basic dictionary that is child-friendly. The overall design and illustrations make this an engaging option for young students.
Professional Review: School Library Journal, June 2009, Vol. 55, Issue 6
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May 4, 2014Merriam Webster. (2013). Merriam-Webster's elementary dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
Review: School Library Journal – http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Reference Type: Dictionary
DDC: 403
Content Scope: The 2013 edition of this dictionary contains more than 200 more words than the 2009 edition. Various words are accompanied by illustrations, history, or literary references.
Accuracy, Authority, Bias: Merriam-Webster is a company well known and respected for their production of dictionary resources.
Arrangement and Presentation: The words and subjects in the dictionary are arranged in alphabetical order.
Relation to similar works: The library has other dictionaries in the collection, but none are current. Most are in need of weeding due to their age and condition.
Timeliness and Permanence: The dictionary will be appropriate for many years as a reference in the library.
Accessibility and Diversity: The illustrations of the words will be of assistance to younger students or those who are visual learners.
Cost: $13.64
Review: School Library Journal – http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Reference Type: Dictionary
DDC: 403
Content Scope: The 2013 edition of this dictionary contains more than 200 more words than the 2009 edition. Various words are accompanied by illustrations, history, or literary references.
Accuracy, Authority, Bias: Merriam-Webster is a company well known and respected for their production of dictionary resources.
Arrangement and Presentation: The words and subjects in the dictionary are arranged in alphabetical order.
Relation to similar works: The library has other dictionaries in the collection, but none are current. Most are in need of weeding due to their age and condition.
Timeliness and Permanence: The dictionary will be appropriate for many years as a reference in the library.
Accessibility and Diversity: The illustrations of the words will be of assistance to younger students or those who are visual learners.
Cost: $13.64
Read
April 26, 2015Merriam-Webster's elementary dictionary. (2013). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
Citation by: Jennifer Duell
Type of Reference: dictionary
Call Number: Ref 423
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted specifically for elementary students, with 36,000 entries (with 200 new words), containing examples from classic and contemporary literature, with more than 900 illustrations. This edition is designed to help students meet Common Core Standards.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster has been publishing dictionaries since 1843 and is the leading publisher of information resources.
Arrangement/Presentation: The arrangement is alphabetical. Included in the 824 page dictionary are new technology and science terms, 250 word histories, 120 synonym paragraphs, with more than 900 illustrations. This edition also includes pronunciation for every letter, and an introduction to Greek and Latin roots in English.
Relation to other works: There are many elementary and children's dictionaries available both in print and online; this dictionary meets Common Core Standards and is comprehensive for Elementary Level libraries.
Accessibility/Diversity: The language is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Cost: $15
Professional review: School Library Journal, October, 2013.
Citation by: Jennifer Duell
Type of Reference: dictionary
Call Number: Ref 423
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted specifically for elementary students, with 36,000 entries (with 200 new words), containing examples from classic and contemporary literature, with more than 900 illustrations. This edition is designed to help students meet Common Core Standards.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster has been publishing dictionaries since 1843 and is the leading publisher of information resources.
Arrangement/Presentation: The arrangement is alphabetical. Included in the 824 page dictionary are new technology and science terms, 250 word histories, 120 synonym paragraphs, with more than 900 illustrations. This edition also includes pronunciation for every letter, and an introduction to Greek and Latin roots in English.
Relation to other works: There are many elementary and children's dictionaries available both in print and online; this dictionary meets Common Core Standards and is comprehensive for Elementary Level libraries.
Accessibility/Diversity: The language is appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Cost: $15
Professional review: School Library Journal, October, 2013.
November 19, 2015
Citation by: Mary K Smith
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Content/Scope: An essential dictionary for children from ages 8 - 11 years. The resource offers over 36,000 entries, 1300 quotes from children's literature, 250 world history paragraphs, and over 130 synonym paragraphs.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Unbaised, non-sexist, or racist. From a reputable publisher.
Arrangement/Presentation: Items are in alphabetical order with hundres of illustrations, photos, and diagrams.
Relation to other works: There are several (approx. 6) other publications of the Merriam-Webster Elementary Dictionary. This is the latest publication and is geared specifically towards elementary-age children.
Accessibility/Diversity: Great for diverse student population, including visual learners and ELL because it offers hundreds of illustrations, photos, and diagrams.
Cost: $20
Professional Review: MERRIAM-WEBSTER.Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary. 824p. diag. illus. map. photos. reprods. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2013. lib. ed. $18.95. ISBN 9780877796763. LC 2008041753.
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Content/Scope: An essential dictionary for children from ages 8 - 11 years. The resource offers over 36,000 entries, 1300 quotes from children's literature, 250 world history paragraphs, and over 130 synonym paragraphs.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Unbaised, non-sexist, or racist. From a reputable publisher.
Arrangement/Presentation: Items are in alphabetical order with hundres of illustrations, photos, and diagrams.
Relation to other works: There are several (approx. 6) other publications of the Merriam-Webster Elementary Dictionary. This is the latest publication and is geared specifically towards elementary-age children.
Accessibility/Diversity: Great for diverse student population, including visual learners and ELL because it offers hundreds of illustrations, photos, and diagrams.
Cost: $20
Professional Review: MERRIAM-WEBSTER.Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary. 824p. diag. illus. map. photos. reprods. Merriam-Webster, Inc. 2013. lib. ed. $18.95. ISBN 9780877796763. LC 2008041753.
November 10, 2019
Good choice
Good dictionary
Good dictionary for beginner students that they don't want difficult words and plan to get easier words than that it is in the usual advanced dictionary , as well as it's well-organized dictionary
Good dictionary
Good dictionary for beginner students that they don't want difficult words and plan to get easier words than that it is in the usual advanced dictionary , as well as it's well-organized dictionary
Read
November 18, 2016Merriam Webster. (2013). Merriam-Webster's elementary dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
Citation By: Amanda Carter
Reference Type: Dictionary
Call Number: 403
Content Scope: 200 more words than the 2009 edition is the only significant update to this elementary dictionary. At least 900 entries have full-color illustrations.
Accuracy, Authority, Bias: Merriam-Webster is a world-wide company who is known for their dictionaries.
Arrangement and Presentation: The dictionary is arranged in alphabetical order.
Relation to similar works: This book would be an excellent addition to a school library, because it is up-to-date.
Timeliness and Permanence: This dictionary could be used for many years in an elementary school library.
Accessibility and Diversity: Illustrations allow younger students to be able to use this dictionary as well.
Cost: $13.64
Professional Review:
Prince, J. (2013) Merriam-webster's elementary dictionary. School library journal. Retrieved from:
http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Citation By: Amanda Carter
Reference Type: Dictionary
Call Number: 403
Content Scope: 200 more words than the 2009 edition is the only significant update to this elementary dictionary. At least 900 entries have full-color illustrations.
Accuracy, Authority, Bias: Merriam-Webster is a world-wide company who is known for their dictionaries.
Arrangement and Presentation: The dictionary is arranged in alphabetical order.
Relation to similar works: This book would be an excellent addition to a school library, because it is up-to-date.
Timeliness and Permanence: This dictionary could be used for many years in an elementary school library.
Accessibility and Diversity: Illustrations allow younger students to be able to use this dictionary as well.
Cost: $13.64
Professional Review:
Prince, J. (2013) Merriam-webster's elementary dictionary. School library journal. Retrieved from:
http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews