Dictionary Definition In Spanish | Meaning, Use, Examples

A “dictionary definition” in Spanish is “definición de diccionario,” the wording a dictionary gives for a word.

If you’re searching “dictionary definition in spanish,” you might want one of two things: the Spanish way to say “dictionary definition,” or a clean definition written in Spanish for a homework task.

This page gives you both. You’ll get natural Spanish phrases, learn how Spanish dictionaries label meanings, and build a method you can reuse for essays, flashcards, and language tests.

What people mean by a dictionary definition in Spanish

In English, “dictionary definition” often means the strict meaning a dictionary prints under a word. In Spanish, you can talk about that same idea, yet the phrase you choose changes with the sentence.

Spanish dictionary entries also carry extra info that teachers care about. You’ll see gender for nouns, verb patterns, and notes on register or region. Those notes can change which sense fits your sentence.

If you’re writing your own definition in Spanish, you’re not trying to imitate dictionary style. You’re trying to show you understand the word and can explain it in clear Spanish.

Name the source — Decide if you mean a bilingual dictionary, a Spanish-only dictionary, or your class glossary.
Match the task — Some assignments want a definition in Spanish, not a translation into English.
Pick one sense — Many words have several meanings; select the one that fits your sentence.
Write in your level — Use Spanish you can defend out loud in class.

Spanish wordings you’ll see for “dictionary definition”

These are the phrases Spanish speakers use most. The one you pick depends on whether you mean “a dictionary-style definition” or “the definition that a specific dictionary gives.”

What you mean	Common Spanish phrasing	When it fits
A dictionary-style definition	definición de diccionario	General idea, not tied to one book
The dictionary’s definition	la definición del diccionario	You’re pointing to a named dictionary
Definition of a word	definición de una palabra	Homework, notes, flashcards
Meaning of a word	significado de una palabra	Natural phrasing in talk or writing
A specific sense	acepción	When the entry has numbered meanings
The headword entry	entrada	When you mean the whole dictionary record

Small grammar note: de is neutral (“definition of dictionary type”). del points to one dictionary (“of the dictionary”). Both are normal Spanish, but they’re not interchangeable.

Here are sentence patterns you can borrow when you need to use the phrase in writing.

State the definition — “Según el diccionario, la definición es…”
Point to a source — “La definición del diccionario dice que…”
Describe the style — “Es una definición de diccionario, breve y directa.”

Picking the right meaning in Spanish entries

Spanish dictionary entries can feel dense at first. The trick is to slow down for ten seconds and read the labels, not just the first line of text.

When a word has more than one sense, dictionaries will mark each one with a number. Your job is to match the sense to your sentence, not to grab the shortest line.

Also watch for labels that signal register or region. A word can be correct Spanish and still be a poor fit for a formal essay.

Coloq. — Informal wording; fine in chat, shaky in a formal paragraph.
Vulg. — Coarse wording; avoid it in school writing unless your task needs it.
Despect. — Negative tone; it can sound insulting.
Am. — Common in the Americas; it may differ from Spain usage.
Desus. — Rare or old-fashioned; it can sound dated.

Read the part of speech — Make sure the entry matches your use: noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
Scan the labels — Check if the sense is informal, regional, or marked as rare.
Check the examples — If the dictionary shows sample phrases, see if they resemble what you’re writing.
Choose one numbered sense — Write down the sense number if your teacher wants a citation.

Finding a dictionary definition in Spanish for homework and exams

There’s a clean workflow that stops guesswork. It also helps you avoid copying a dictionary line word-for-word, which can look sloppy in an essay.

When you start with an English word

Start in a bilingual dictionary to get candidate Spanish words, then switch to a Spanish-only dictionary for the definition. This two-step move keeps your Spanish definitions natural.

List two Spanish options — Many English words map to multiple Spanish words.
Pick the best match — Use your sentence to decide which Spanish word fits.
Open a Spanish dictionary entry — Read the numbered senses and select the right one.
Write your own sentence — Use the word in Spanish to confirm it sounds right.
Save the source — Copy the dictionary name and link into your notes for later.

When you already have the Spanish word

If your teacher gave you the word in Spanish, skip the bilingual step. Go straight to a Spanish dictionary and work from the entry’s sense list.

Search the exact form — Accents matter: “papa” and “papá” are not the same word.
Check related forms — Verbs can show infinitive, past participle, and reflexive forms.
Note the sense number — Many worksheets ask for “acepción 2” or similar.
Confirm with context — Read the sample phrases to see how the word behaves in a sentence.

A fast note-taking template

If your teacher grades vocabulary notebooks, clean notes matter. This template stays short, yet it keeps what you’ll need at test time.

Write the headword — Include accents and gender: “la conversación (f.)”.
Add the part of speech — Noun, verb, adjective, or adverb.
Record one sense — Copy the sense number, then restate the meaning in your own Spanish.
Draft one example sentence — Keep it simple and tied to your class topic.

Reading abbreviations and grammar tags

Most Spanish dictionaries use a compact code system. Once you learn a dozen tags, entries get easier to read.

Here are tags students meet often, with plain-English meaning.

m. / f. — Grammatical gender for nouns (masculine or feminine).
pl. — Plural; the meaning may change in plural form.
adj. — Adjective; it describes a noun.
adv. — Adverb; it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
tr. / intr. — Transitive or intransitive verb; it changes whether you need a direct object.
prnl. — Pronominal/reflexive form (often used with “se”).
fig. — Figurative sense; the meaning is not literal.

Some dictionaries add compact notes like “U. t. c. prnl.” or “U. m. en pl.” You don’t need to memorize every abbreviation. Start with the ones your dictionary uses often, then learn new ones as you meet them.

One more thing that trips people up: a dictionary entry can list a base form, then show derived words or set phrases under it. If your assignment asks for the meaning of a phrase, don’t stop at the single-word sense.

Writing a clean definition in Spanish without copying

Teachers often say “use a dictionary definition,” then grade hard on originality. You can stay honest by using the dictionary as a reference, then writing your own definition in Spanish.

Spanish definitions also follow a few common sentence patterns. If you use these patterns, your definitions sound natural and readable.

Use “X es…” — “La amistad es una relación de afecto entre personas.”
Use “Se llama X a…” — “Se llama meteoro al fenómeno luminoso en el cielo.”
Use “Persona que…” — “Persona que cuida animales en una granja.”
Use “Acción de…” — “Acción de observar con atención.”

Extract the core idea — Identify the subject, the action, and any limits in the sense you chose.
Swap structure — Change the sentence shape: turn a noun phrase into a full sentence, or the reverse.
Use plain Spanish — Aim for the level your class expects, not dictionary shorthand.
Add one clarifier — A short clause can remove ambiguity and show you understood the term.
Double-check meaning — Read your definition back and see if it matches your sentence use.

If your teacher wants a quote, keep it short and keep it exact. Put it in quotation marks, then add a brief explanation in Spanish right after it. That keeps your writing readable.

Checking quality: spotting weak dictionary sources

Not every page that looks like a dictionary is one. Some sites scrape word lists, stitch translations, then add ads. You can spot weak sources fast with a few checks.

Look for clear editing — Real dictionaries show parts of speech, senses, and usage labels.
Check for a publisher — A dictionary should say who runs it and how entries are maintained.
Compare two sources — If senses conflict, pause and verify with a Spanish-only dictionary.
Watch for machine-like text — Awkward Spanish and odd word order are red flags.
Test with a sentence — If the word won’t fit a normal sentence, the sense may be wrong.

Places many teachers accept

When your class needs a Spanish definition, a Spanish-only dictionary is the safest pick. These sources are widely used by students and teachers.

Use the RAE DLE — https://dle.rae.es/
Use the RAE DPD — https://www.rae.es/dpd/
Use Cambridge — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
Use WordReference — https://www.wordreference.com/

If you’re writing for a beginner class, learner dictionaries can be easier to read than academic ones. If you’re writing a formal essay, the RAE DLE sense list and labels are often enough, then you can restate the meaning in your own Spanish.

Key Takeaways: Dictionary Definition In Spanish

➤ Use “definición de diccionario” for a general, textbook meaning.

➤ Use “la definición del diccionario” when you cite a named source.

➤ Match the entry’s part of speech to your sentence before you copy notes.

➤ Pick one numbered sense, then rewrite it in your own Spanish.

➤ Cross-check with a Spanish-only dictionary when a translation feels off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “definición de diccionario” always the best translation?

No. It works when you mean a strict, dictionary-style meaning in general. If you mean “the definition that this dictionary gives,” Spanish often uses la definición del diccionario because it points to a specific source.

What’s the difference between “definición” and “significado”?

Definición often sounds more formal and classroom-friendly, like a set meaning written out in a sentence. Significado is common in everyday talk. In school writing, either can work, but definición fits when you’re writing a full, precise statement.

How do I handle words with many “acepciones”?

Start by reading the sample phrases under each sense, if the dictionary shows them. Then pick the sense that matches your sentence’s topic and grammar. Write down the sense number in your notes, so you can return to the same meaning later.

Can I use WordReference or a bilingual dictionary as my only source?

It depends on your teacher’s rules. Bilingual dictionaries are great for choosing the right Spanish word. For a definition written in Spanish, many teachers prefer a Spanish-only dictionary entry. A safe routine is bilingual first, Spanish-only second, then your rewritten definition.

How do I cite a Spanish dictionary in an essay?

Use the citation style your class uses, then include the headword, the dictionary name, and the URL if it’s online. If your style guide asks for an access date, add it too. In the paragraph, quote only a short fragment, then explain it in Spanish.

Wrapping It Up – Dictionary Definition In Spanish

A dictionary definition in Spanish starts with the right phrase, then the right sense. Use definición de diccionario when you mean the general idea. Use la definición del diccionario when you’re pointing to one source.

Next time you need a definition for class, take the extra minute to read the part of speech, scan the labels, and choose one numbered meaning. Then rewrite it in your own Spanish. Your notes will be clearer, and your writing will sound more natural.

If you get stuck, skip the translator. Use a Spanish dictionary entry, choose the sense, then restate it in Spanish you can explain.