New Oxford American Dictionary

The New Oxford American Dictionary, produced by Oxford's U.S. Dictionaries Program, is an American dictionary that follows the Oxford tradition. Drawing on the expertise of scores of American scholars and advisors, it sets the standard of excellence for lexicography in this country, offering the most accurate and richly descriptive picture of American English ever presented in any dictionary.

Oxford's American editors utilized the extensive resources at their disposal, including the 200-million-word databank of contemporary North American English and the unrivaled citation files of the world-renowned Oxford English Dictionary. This unparalleled evidence, unique to Oxford, formed the foundation for their work.

The dictionary's entries are meticulously organized around core meanings, eliminating clutter and confusion, especially in longer entries. Rather than a litany of numbered senses, the structure of each entry clearly displays the major meaning or meanings of the word, along with any related senses, supplemented by illustrative, in-context examples of actual usage. This approach provides unprecedented clarity, serving the user clearly, simply, and quickly, with a full measure of information value and precise guidance.

The New Oxford American Dictionary is designed to cater to the needs of all users, whether for reading and study, technical terms, or language guidance. It continues the tradition of scholarship and lexicographic excellence that are the hallmarks of every Oxford dictionary, representing a revolution in the art and craft of dictionary-making.

Oxford's ongoing North American Reading Program, begun in the early 1980s, ensures that the lexicographers remain in touch with the fresh evidence of language and usage, as reflected in novels, newspapers, public records, and magazines. This diligent effort has resulted in the in-depth and up-to-date coverage that all users require and expect.

In summary, The New Oxford American Dictionary is a groundbreaking work that sets new standards in the field of lexicography. It draws on the unparalleled resources and expertise of Oxford University, delivering an authoritative and comprehensive reference tool that serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation of American English.

product information: