Definition

Noun: 1. A compiler or writer of a dictionary: A person who writes, edits, or compiles dictionaries. 2. A student of the lexical component of language: A scholar who studies the vocabulary and words of a language.

Usage

A lexicographer is a professional who researches, records, and defines words for a dictionary. Their work involves analyzing language use, determining meanings, pronunciations, etymologies, and usage examples.

Examples

• Samuel Johnson and Noah Webster are famous historical lexicographers.
• Modern lexicographers use large digital text databases, called corpora, to study how words are actually used.
• She worked as a lexicographer for the Oxford English Dictionary for over twenty years.

Advanced Usage

• The work of a lexicographer involves making descriptive judgments about language, documenting how words are used rather than prescribing how they be used.
• Lexicographer's role: Beyond simple definitions, a lexicographer must consider a word's part of speech, register (formal/informal), regional variations, and historical development.

Variants and Related Words

• Lexicography (n): The art, craft, process, or profession of writing or compiling dictionaries.
  • He specialized in the lexicography of ancient languages.
• Lexicographic (adj): Pertaining to lexicography.
  • The lexicographic principles were clearly outlined in the preface.
• Lexical (adj): Relating to the words or vocabulary of a language.
  • The child showed rapid lexical development.

Synonyms

• Dictionary writer/compiler/editor: A more general term for the profession.
• Philologist: A scholar of language history and development, which often includes lexicography.
• Linguist: A scientist who studies language; some linguists specialize in lexicography.

Idioms and Phrases

• To wear the lexicographer's hat: To think or act with the meticulous, analytical mindset of a dictionary writer.
  • When editing the technical manual, I had to wear the lexicographer's hat to ensure every term was precisely defined.

Noun

1. a compiler or writer of a dictionary; a student of the lexical component of language