NATIONAL DAYWRITING & MEDIA

National Dictionary Day

Join us in recognizing the richness of language on National Dictionary Day.

OCT16

Friday, October 16Every year on October 16

days to go

Roots: Established to honor Noah Webster's birthday (1758)
Vibe: A day for language lovers to appreciate vocabulary.
Also on Oct 16: World Restart a Heart Day · World Spine Day · World Menopause Day
Hashtag: #NationalDictionaryDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Learn a new word

Pick one unfamiliar word and use it all day.

WITH FRIENDS

Play word games

Break out Scrabble or a crossword together.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Word of the day

Post a new word on the board each morning.

Plan ahead

National Dictionary Day is observed on October 16 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Fri, Oct 16this year

2027Sat, Oct 16

2028Mon, Oct 16

2029Tue, Oct 16

2030Wed, Oct 16

2031Thu, Oct 16

2032Sat, Oct 16

2033Sun, Oct 16

2034Mon, Oct 16

2035Tue, Oct 16

2036Thu, Oct 16

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

1806Webster published his first dictionary in 1806.

The Oxford English Dictionary lists over 600,000 words.

The story

National Dictionary Day is observed on October 16, commemorating the birthday of Noah Webster, a pivotal figure in American education and linguistics. Webster’s work laid the foundation for American English, distinguishing it from British English. His landmark American Dictionary, published in 1828, was a significant milestone, offering standard definitions and spellings that shaped American literacy.

Read the full story

In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the importance of a strong vocabulary cannot be overstated. Words are the building blocks of thoughts, ideas, and connections. As we celebrate National Dictionary Day, individuals are encouraged to explore the depth and richness of language. Whether through reading, writing, or playful word games, this day serves as a reminder of the power of words.

A robust vocabulary is not just an academic asset; it enhances personal expression and communication. On this day, schools often host activities focused on language, while families might engage in fun word challenges. Engaging with dictionaries, thesauruses, and even online word games can ignite a passion for learning and appreciation for the nuances of language.

In celebrating National Dictionary Day, we honor not just Webster's legacy but the ongoing evolution of language itself. Each word carries history, culture, and meaning, connecting us across time and space. As we navigate an ever-changing linguistic landscape, let us take a moment to cherish the words that enrich our lives and bring us together.

Did you know?

The First Dictionary

Noah Webster published An American Dictionary of the English Language in 1828, which was pivotal in defining American English.

Word Count

The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the largest dictionaries, with over 600,000 entries.

Webster's Legacy

Webster's work established standardized spellings, including the American preference for 'color' over 'colour'.

Words in Motion

The English language is constantly evolving, with new words being added every year based on cultural shifts.

Language Learning

Studies show that a strong vocabulary correlates with better academic and professional success.

Dictionaries Online

Digital dictionaries have made word definitions and synonyms more accessible than ever before.

Vocabulary Size

An adult native English speaker typically knows about 20,000 to 35,000 words.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesNational Dictionary Day is widely celebrated across the U.S., recognizing the impact of language in American culture.
GBUnited KingdomIn the UK, dictionaries have a long history, with Samuel Johnson publishing the first comprehensive dictionary in 1755.
CACanadaCanada celebrates the diversity of language, with English and French dictionaries playing significant roles in the country’s bilingual culture.
AUAustraliaIn Australia, dictionaries reflect the unique vernacular and slang that has developed within its diverse population.
INIndiaIndia's rich linguistic landscape includes numerous regional languages, each with its own dictionaries to preserve and promote local language.
ZASouth AfricaSouth Africa's dictionaries incorporate multiple languages, reflecting the country's cultural diversity and heritage.