Dictionary.com: Find Definitions for English Words APK for Android

As the mobile version of one of the best online dictionary resources, Dictionary.com for Android comes with a revamped interface specially designed for smartphones and tablets. The core features of definitions and spelling are supplemented by synonyms, tips on use for learners, and etymological information.

Pros

Excellent for quick learning: We found Dictionary 3.0 for Android an excellent quick reference tool. Although not reliable in noisy environments, voice recognition is a welcome feature as an alternative to cramped mobile device keyboards. All information is delivered in a clear and easy-to-scan format.

Good user flow: Once you type or speak a word, it's easy to navigate tabs to find synonyms, learning tips, and info on a word's origin or grammar. Also straightforward is hearing a term's phonetic pronunciation or marking it for later reference.

Cons

US biased: Although we all know for example how "utilize" can also be spelled as "utilise", we would much prefer references to British English spelling and idioms to make the app more relevant to major non-US English speaking regions. Moreover, given that this is an English dictionary, the Spanish daily definition is of no particular purpose.

Only online use: The lack of offline access to the dictionary seriously limits usability, making the app practically useless when it's most necessary. The good news is that a newer version solves this issue by allowing you to download an offline database.

Bottom Line

Dictionary.com 3.0 for Android successfully transfers most of the functionality of a full-blown dictionary Web site to the limited space of an Android device. It's a straightforward support tool for writers on the go, but ultimately fails to differentiate itself from similar applications. Even so, it remains a worthwhile download. But opt for the more recent version that works offline and has an integrated translator.

Bug fixes and enhancements