How to Use Dictionary in Any Kindle: A Comprehensive Guide

The dictionary is a big reason why we read books on a Kindle reader. Especially while reading old classics, we understand the meaning of every word in a Kindle reader, which is otherwise daunting. In this article, we’ll show you how to use the dictionary on your Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, or Kindle Oasis reader.

We’ll also show you how to use Wikipedia, translation, and the Word Wise feature on your Kindle reader. All of these contribute to an efficient reading process, leaving no ambiguity. Let us begin with understanding how to download and select a default dictionary on your Kindle reader. Let’s begin.

Also Read: Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which Kindle should you buy

How to Download Dictionary on Kindle

By default, an English dictionary will be downloaded onto your Kindle. If you want to explore more dictionaries of different languages, here’s how you can download and add dictionaries on your Kindle reader.

Furthermore, doing this helps you use the dictionary even when you are reading a book offline.

Step 1: Connect your Kindle to the internet and open the library.

Step 2: Scroll down to find the Dictionaries section.

Step 3: You will see a collection of dictionaries. Select the one you want to use and tap on the three dots icon.

Step 4: Tap on Download. The dictionary will now be downloaded on your Kindle reader.

Select and Add Default Dictionary on Kindle

Once you download the new dictionary, you can use it if you make it the default dictionary for that particular language. Here’s how to do that.

Step 1: Tap anywhere on the screen and select the downward-facing arrow on the topmost section of the screen.

Step 2: Tap on all Settings.

Step 3: Tap on ‘Language & Dictionaries’ followed by Dictionaries.

Step 4: Tap on the language of the dictionary you downloaded.

Step 5: Select the dictionary you want to set as default.

Now, you can use the selected dictionary while reading a book on your Kindle ebook reader.

Look Up the Meaning of Words Using a Dictionary on Kindle

Now that we know how to download dictionaries on our Kindle reader, you need to long-tap on the word, and the dictionary will pop up. It is as easy as that. However, if you are facing any issues, refer to our guide that helps you fix the Kindle dictionary not working.

How to Switch Dictionary in Kindle

If you want to switch to a different dictionary within the same language, here’s how to do that.

Step 1: Tap on the name of the dictionary under the meaning of the word.

Step 2: Select the dictionary you want to switch to. However, you must ensure that the dictionary you plan to switch to has already been downloaded onto your Kindle reader.

What Is Word Wise and How to Use It on Kindle

So, you can use the dictionary by long tapping a word while reading. But what about reading a book where the language is highly complex, and you find yourself using the dictionary in nearly every sentence? Word Wise is here to help.

Word Wise is a feature in books purchased on the Amazon Kindle Library. It automatically detects complex words and adds meaning on top of them. Therefore, you do not need to manually long tap on the word to find out its meaning. Here’s how to enable Word Wise on your book.

Make sure the purchased book has the Word Wise feature. You can check if the Kindle edition of the book has Word Wise or not from the purchase page on Amazon.

Step 1: Open the book, and if your book supports Word Wise, you will see the option in the bottom left corner. Tap on it.

Step 2: Tap on Show. Adjust the slider for the number of words you want to see meanings for.

Fewer Hints mean less number of complex words will have meanings attached. More Hints mean more complex words will have meaning attached.

Once Word Wise is enabled, here’s what a page looks like.

You can tap on the word if you want the meaning to be elaborated.

Use Wikipedia on Kindle

A dictionary will not have meanings for proper nouns and other words that may require more context. Therefore, Kindle provides you an option to look up the meaning of the word on Wikipedia. Here’s how to use the feature.

Step 1: Connect your Kindle to the internet. Ensure you have connected to Wi-Fi and disabled Airplane Mode.

Step 2: Long-tap on the word you are seeking information for.

Step 3: You will see the dictionary meaning, if present. Swipe left to the second tab.

You will see the explanation for the word on Wikipedia.

Use Translate on Kindle

If you want to translate a word on your Kindle to another language, there’s an inbuilt translation feature too. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Connect your Kindle to the internet. Ensure you have connected to Wi-Fi and disabled Airplane Mode.

Step 2: Long-tap on the word you want to translate.

Step 3: The first tab will be the dictionary tab. Swipe left twice, and head over to the third tab – which is the translation tab.

Step 4: Select the language you want to translate the word to from the drop-down menu.

You will see the translation result.

There you go – that is everything you need to know about using the dictionary on your Kindle. If you have any further questions, look at the FAQ section below.

FAQs on Kindle Dictionary

Read Without Confusions

We hope this article helps you download and use the dictionary on Kindle. Further, make sure to use Wikipedia and translation features whenever needed. They make reading easier on Kindle, which is why these devices sell like hotcakes. We hope Amazon adds more such features to the Kindle reader!