Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Merriam Webster Children's Dictionary

Rate this book
An updated reference provides a comprehensive tool for middle readers, complete with spelling tips, bright photos and illustrations, and a user-friendly color-coded letter guide.

912 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000

16 people are currently reading
111 people want to read

About the author

Merriam-Webster

627 books56 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
124 (58%)
4 stars
52 (24%)
3 stars
26 (12%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Sydney.
166 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2022
"A dictionary is a very special book."

In middle school, one of my classmates told me that I was boring. I have never forgotten that, and have striven each day to either prove her wrong or right (depending on the day and my mood). She'd probably be right today...but I feel accomplished for having made it through these 900 pages with some level of true interest.
10 reviews3 followers
Read
June 24, 2013
DK Merriam-Webster children's dictionary. (2008). New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc.

Citation By: Kayla Stewart

Type of Reference: Dictionary

Call Number: Ref 423

Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted for 8-12 year olds. Presents definitions for over 35,000 entries and includes some 4,000 illustrations interspersed throughout the text. Provides guides for how to use the dictionary and pronunciation symbol guides. Gives easy-to-understand, yet in-depth definitions. This dictionary would help to build basic decoding, literacy and information skills.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is one of the most well known and sought out dictionary providers in the U.S. Their dictionaries have withstood many different editions. Since this text was published in 2008, it is up-to-date and provides accurate information. Many schools us Merriam-Webster dictionaries.

Arrangement/Presentation: The words are arranged in alphabetical order. The text also offers a reference chapter on each of the continents near the end of the dictionary. Flags of the World, state flags and a map of the U.S.A are also included in this text. It provides a vast array of definitions, graphics and information that will all appeal to elementary-aged students.

Relation to Other Works: Scholastic offers another reputable dictionary as do many other companies. This dictionary meets requirements for libraries that need a comprehensive reference at an elementary level.

Accessibility/Diversity: The graphics in this text will appeal to visual learners. The information on various continents in the back will appeal to diverse cultural learners. The basic introductions in the beginning of the dictionary indicate that even early learners who do not know how to use a dictionary will be able to use this resource.

Cost: $18

Professional Review: Marcus, S. (2008). Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary. School Library Journal, 54(8), 76.
15 reviews1 follower
Want to read
June 23, 2012
Melissa Neeley

Title:
Merriam-Webster. (2008). Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary. DK Publishing, Inc.

Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call #: JUV 413 Merr

Cost: $18.74
Description: A picture dictionary for students in grades 3-6.

Relevance and Relationship: More advanced than beginner dictionaries for primary students, this helps intermediate students make the transition to more sophisticated reference dictionaries while still holding their interest.

Purpose: This resource can be used by students who are just learning to use a dictionary, needing to define a word, looking for a pronunciation, or trying to determine a part of speech.

Validity: The price of this 912 page dictionary is relatively low considering the timeliness, accuracy, and effectiveness of the information presented.

Format: This dictionary is in print format.

Arrangement and Presentation: Defined terms are arranged alphabetically and in columns. Brightly colored photographs accompany many of the entries. Just before the index students will find a list of states including abbreviations, flags, presidents, and geographical features.

Diversity: This book is suited to meet the intellectual needs of a wide range of students. The photographs also make it ideal for visual learners.

Review Source:
Marcus, S. (2008). Merriam-Webster children’s dictionary. School Library Journal, 54(8), 76.
15 reviews
Want to read
November 30, 2013

Dorling Kindersley Merriam-Webster children's dictionary rev ed;. (2005). New York: DK pub.

Citation by: Sheba Ramsey

Type of Reference: Dictionary

Call Number: Ref 423

Content/Scope: A dictionary intended for students 8-10 years of age. This dictionary contains definitions for over 35,000 entries and includes some 4,000 illustrations. Pronunciation guides are provided with easy to understand definitions. This reference item would be a good addition for students to use in any elementary library setting.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Merriam-Webster is a name synonymous with the term dictionary and is one of the top providers in the world. Their dictionaries are used in schools, from elementary to the collegiate level.

Arrangement/Presentation: The words are arranged in alphabetical order. It contains various definitions, graphics and information that will all appeal to elementary-aged students.

Relation to other works: Many dictionaries are available for student use. This work meets requirements for primary student in many core subject areas. There are other editions available.

Accessibility/Diversity: This text is visually stimulating and will appeal to all students. It will be appropriate for all cultures and shows no bias to any ethnic origin.

Cost: $18.00

Professional Review: Marcus, S. (2008). Merriam-Webster children’s dictionary. School Library Journal, 54(8), 76.
15 reviews
Read
May 7, 2014
DK Merriam-Webster children's dictionary. (2008). London: Dorling Kindersley.

Review: http://booklistonline.com/Merriam-Web...

Type of Reference: Dictionary

Content Scope: This fully updated edition of the bestselling children's dictionary has more words, more images, and more stuff to learn. Some definitions include variant spellings, usage notes and labels, example phrases, and synonym and word-history paragraphs.

Accuracy, Authority, Bias: Merriam-Webster is a well-known company that is famous for publishing dictionaries.

Arrangement and Presentation: The words and subjects in the dictionary are arranged in alphabetical order. Sidebars illustrate groups of terms. The reference section has a couple of pages on each continent plus information on flags; U.S. states, presidents, and vice presidents.

Relation to similar works: The library has other dictionaries in the collection, but are children's dictionaries.

Timeliness and Permanence: The dictionary will be appropriate for many years as a reference in the library.

Accessibility and Diversity: The images, sidebars, and other features of this dictionary will be helpful to all students--especially ESL learners or struggling students.

Cost: Hardcover; a high of $960
Profile Image for Taylor.
18 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2012
Name: Taylor Myatt
Title: Merriam-Webster children's dictionary. (2005). Springfield, Mass:DK Publishing, Inc..
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: PE1628.5 .W385 2005
Brief Description: This is a children’s dictionary that has over 35,000 entries and is illustrated with vividly breathtaking pictures. This book is a “must have” for all young students.
Cost: $15.83
Relevance and Relationship: Students could use this dictionary in the classroom, while completing assignments, or for enjoyment.
Purpose: For students to use on a regular basis to aid them in completing assignments.
Validity: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has been around for many, many years in various forms and sizes. It is a reliable dictionary that is appropriate for elementary aged students.
Format: This dictionary is in print with illustrations.
Arrangement and Presentation: The arrangement of this selection is alphabetical.
Diversity: This book is appealing to students of all reading levels because is equipped with both illustrations and words.
Citation of Review: http://booklistonline.com/Merriam-Web...
Profile Image for Samantha Tabor.
10 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2016
DK Merriam-Webster children's dictionary rev ed;. (2005). Dorling Kindersley.
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: 423
Brief Description:
Retrieved from: WKU Libraries Database: Children’s Core Collection (http://web.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku.edu/)
Content/Scope: This Dictionary’s notable features include a “How-To Guide” for usage, pronunciations, signs and symbols. It contains full colored maps, flags and photographs of the U.S. Presidents along with over 35,000 word entries.
Authority/Accuracy/Bias: The publisher, DK, is a Pearson Company whose-wide for its reputation of accuracy and clarity.
Diversity/Accessibility: The print is clear and easy-to-read, the photographs are bright, and easily accessible for students from 2nd grade to 5th grade. A multicolored alphabet along the sides of each page is very beneficial for the user.
Cost: $22.99 (www.amazon.com)
13 reviews
Want to read
November 30, 2012
Dk merriam webster children's dictionary. (2000). DK Publishing & Merriam-Webster, Inc
Citation created by: Jordan Wade
Call Number: 423
Description: Dictionary that is organized by major subject areas and includes thousands of illustrations to aid in comprehension.
Content/Scope: Ages 6 - 10
Accuracy/Authority: Merriam-Webster is a leading name in dictionaries.
Relation to Similar Works: Previous editions available
Cost: $17.95
Rationale for Selection: Gives elementary students a more visual way to look up words and facts.
Professional Review: School library journal said this is a must for your collection.
Carcich, M. A,. Grabarek, D., & Minkel, W., (2000). Dk merriam-webster children's dictionary (book). School library journal, 46(11), 88.

15 reviews
November 28, 2013
Merriam-Webster’s Children’s Dictionary

Type of Reference: Dictionary

Call Number: Ref 423

APA Citation:
Merriam-Webster's Children’s Dictionary. (2008). East Rutherford, NJ : DK Publishing, Inc.

Description: Merriam-Webster is a well-known trusted name in dictionaries. This dictionary is a wonderful resource for children learning to read or high-level readers. This edition contains more than 35,000 entries with updated images, details, and definitions. There are over 3,000 photographs and illustrations for the low level reader. This dictionary is a wonderful asset for the young reader as well as adult readers learning to read. This item cost about $15.00.
12 reviews
June 3, 2015
This was a pretty boring book to read yet it helped me go to sleep so it was helpful for me. I thought it would help my lexile level though it did not, probably because I really wasn't into it. I didn't enjoy it at all. I had to quit short because I thought it was a waste of time. I would somewhat skim through the pages since reading in depth was no different since it would be hard to remember it. Though it did give me pages for independent reading so it wasn't fully wasted. i would not recommend this book to people unless they wanted to get pages or use up time, or fall asleep.
Profile Image for Haven.
142 reviews
December 31, 2015
This is an awesome book to use for elementary/middle school aged children. I use it with my children as I homeschool them. I love this edition because the explanations of the words inside are written in an easy to understand fashion. I also love that pictures are included that help children create a visualization.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.