How to Cite the OED

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How to Cite the OED

When writing an academic paper, essay, or research topic, citing reliable sources is essential. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is often referenced for definitions, etymology, or usage examples. However, many writers are unsure how to properly cite the OED in different citation styles. Whether you’re using MLA, APA, or Chicago format, understanding the correct way to cite the OED helps ensure clarity, credibility, and academic integrity. This guide will walk you through how to cite the Oxford English Dictionary effectively, depending on your formatting needs.

Understanding the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary is a comprehensive and historical dictionary of the English language, known for its detailed entries and rich linguistic data. It is updated regularly and available both in print and online. Because it is considered an authoritative source, many scholars use it when defining terms or exploring word origins. When citing the OED, it is important to include enough information so that your readers can access the exact entry you referenced.

What to Include in a Citation

When citing a dictionary entry, especially from an online database like the OED, you should typically include:

  • The word or term defined
  • The title of the dictionary (Oxford English Dictionary)
  • The publisher (Oxford University Press)
  • The year of publication or last update
  • The URL or DOI for online entries (if applicable)
  • The access date for online content

The exact format will vary depending on the citation style you’re using. Below are examples and explanations for how to cite the OED in MLA, APA, and Chicago formats.

How to Cite the OED in MLA Style

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is commonly used in the humanities. Here’s how to cite the OED in both in-text citations and the Works Cited section.

In-Text Citation (MLA)

Use the word in quotation marks followed by the dictionary name:

Example: According to theOxford English Dictionary, the word resilience originally comes from Latin.

Works Cited Entry (MLA)

Use the following format for an online OED citation:

‘[Word].’ Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, [Year], www.oed.com/view/Entry/[EntryID]. Accessed [Date].

Example:

Innovation.Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 2023, www.oed.com/view/Entry/96302. Accessed 5 July 2025.

Be sure to italicize the dictionary name and use quotation marks for the defined word. If the entry does not list a specific author, you begin with the word being defined.

How to Cite the OED in APA Style

The American Psychological Association (APA) format is often used in the social sciences. The APA style emphasizes the author-date system and includes retrieval information for online sources.

In-Text Citation (APA)

Use the word and the year of publication:

Example: The term sustainability has evolved in its meaning over time (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Reference List Entry (APA)

Use this format:

Oxford University Press. (Year). [Word]. InOxford English Dictionary. Retrieved [Date], from https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/[EntryID]

Example:

Oxford University Press. (2023). Sustainability. InOxford English Dictionary. Retrieved July 5, 2025, from https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/196509

Note that Oxford University Press is used as the author. The word being defined is treated like a chapter or topic title and is not italicized.

How to Cite the OED in Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style offers two systems: Notes and Bibliography (commonly used in humanities) and Author-Date (used in sciences). Here’s how to cite the OED in both.

Notes and Bibliography Format

Footnote:

1.Oxford English Dictionary, s.v. democracy, accessed July 5, 2025, https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/48336.

Bibliography Entry:

Oxford English Dictionary. s.v. democracy. Accessed July 5, 2025. https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/48336.

Author-Date Format (Chicago)

In-Text Citation:

(Oxford English Dictionary 2025)

Reference List Entry:

Oxford English Dictionary. 2025. s.v. democracy. Accessed July 5, 2025. https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/48336.

Citing a Print Version of the OED

If you are using a physical (print) version of the Oxford English Dictionary, the citation format changes slightly. Here’s how to cite it in various styles:

MLA Style (Print)

Works Cited: ‘[Word].’ Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed., vol. 4, Oxford University Press, 1989.

APA Style (Print)

Reference List: Oxford University Press. (1989).Oxford English Dictionary(2nd ed., Vol. 4).

Chicago Style (Print)

Bibliography: Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. Vol. 4. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.

Include the volume number if available and always use the edition number, especially for multi-volume works.

Best Practices for Citing the OED

Here are a few important tips to remember when citing the Oxford English Dictionary:

  • Always include the access date for online entries, as the OED is frequently updated.
  • Make sure your URLs are accurate and not truncated.
  • Use the correct entry title and spelling as it appears in the OED.
  • If the entry includes multiple meanings, consider indicating which sense or example you are referencing.

Example:

Art.Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 2023, www.oed.com/view/Entry/11125. Accessed 5 July 2025. (Referencing sense 3b of the word art.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writers sometimes make errors when citing dictionary entries. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Using only the word and not the full citation
  • Forgetting to include the access date for online entries
  • Using informal sources when the OED is available
  • Inconsistent formatting with the chosen citation style

Paying close attention to the citation rules of your formatting style will help you stay consistent and credible in your work.

Citing the Oxford English Dictionary may seem challenging at first, but it becomes straightforward once you understand the structure required by each citation style. Whether you’re using MLA, APA, or Chicago format, the key elements remain the same: the word being defined, the title of the dictionary, the publisher, the publication or access date, and the retrieval information. By following these guidelines and examples, you can cite the OED clearly and accurately, enhancing the quality and reliability of your academic writing.