Oxford Dictionary Citing: The *Right* Way To Do It

Oxford English Dictionary Referencing: A Comprehensive Guide for Academic Writing

Citing the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) correctly in your academic writing is crucial for demonstrating thorough research and giving credit to the source of your definitions. This guide provides a structured approach to creating an accurate oxford english dictionary reference for academic writing, ensuring clarity and consistency in your citations.

Understanding Why Accurate Citation Matters

Proper citation isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism; it’s about:

• Credibility: Shows you’ve consulted authoritative sources.
• Transparency: Allows readers to verify your definitions and understand their historical context.
• Academic Integrity: Upholds the standards of scholarly work.
• Avoiding Ambiguity: Ensuring clarity in your writing by clearly showing where your definitions are coming from.

General Principles of OED Citation

The specific format for citing the OED may vary depending on the style guide you’re using (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). However, some fundamental principles remain consistent:

• Include Key Information: Always include the word or phrase defined, the edition of the OED, and, if available, the URL and access date.
• Consistency: Follow the same citation format throughout your document. If you choose a specific style, stick with it.
• Accuracy: Double-check all details against the OED itself to ensure correctness.

Citing the Online OED

The online version is the most commonly used today. Here’s a breakdown of how to cite it, followed by examples in commonly used style guides.

Essential Elements for Online OED Citations:

• Word/Phrase: The exact word or phrase you are defining.
• "OED Online": Indicate that you are referencing the online version.
• Publisher: Oxford University Press.
• Date of Publication/Revision: The date the entry was last updated (usually found at the bottom of the entry).
• URL: The direct URL of the entry.
• Access Date: The date you accessed the entry.

Citation Examples in Different Style Guides:

Different style guides dictate different formatting. The following are guidelines and examples:

• MLA (Modern Language Association):
  • Format: "Word or Phrase." OED Online. Oxford University Press, Date of Publication/Revision, URL. Accessed Date.
  • Example: "Serendipity." OED Online. Oxford University Press, 2023, www.oed.com/view/Entry/176210. Accessed 15 January 2024.
• APA (American Psychological Association):
  • Format: (Word or Phrase, n.d.) OED Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved Date, from URL
  • Example: (Serendipity, n.d.) OED Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved January 15, 2024, from www.oed.com/view/Entry/176210
  • Note: If the OED entry has a specific publication date, use that instead of "n.d." (no date). If there’s an editor, include (Ed.).
• Chicago (Notes and Bibliography):
  • Format (Note): "Word or Phrase," OED Online (Oxford University Press, Date of Publication/Revision), URL (accessed Date).
  • Format (Bibliography): "Word or Phrase." OED Online. Oxford University Press, Date of Publication/Revision. URL. Accessed Date.
  • Example (Note): "Serendipity," OED Online (Oxford University Press, 2023), www.oed.com/view/Entry/176210 (accessed January 15, 2024).
  • Example (Bibliography): "Serendipity." OED Online. Oxford University Press, 2023. www.oed.com/view/Entry/176210. Accessed January 15, 2024.

Citing the Print OED

Although less common, citing the print OED is still relevant when older definitions or historical context is needed.

Key Elements for Print OED Citations:

• Word/Phrase: The word or phrase being defined.
• Title: The Oxford English Dictionary.
• Edition: Specify the edition (e.g., 2nd edition).
• Volume Number: The volume in which the entry appears.
• Page Number: The specific page number where the definition is found.
• Publisher: Oxford University Press.
• Publication Year: The year the edition was published.

Citation Examples in Different Style Guides:

Similar to the online OED, the citation style varies.

• MLA (Modern Language Association):
  • Format: "Word or Phrase." The Oxford English Dictionary, Edition, vol. Volume Number, Oxford University Press, Publication Year, p. Page Number.
  • Example: "Serendipity." The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., vol. 15, Oxford University Press, 1989, p. 153.
• APA (American Psychological Association):
  • Format: Word or Phrase. (Publication Year). The Oxford English Dictionary (Edition, Vol. Volume Number, p. Page Number). Oxford University Press.
  • Example: Serendipity. (1989). The Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed., Vol. 15, p. 153). Oxford University Press.
• Chicago (Notes and Bibliography):
  • Format (Note): "Word or Phrase," The Oxford English Dictionary, Edition (Oxford University Press, Publication Year), vol. Volume Number, p. Page Number.
  • Format (Bibliography): "Word or Phrase." The Oxford English Dictionary, Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Publication Year.
  • Example (Note): "Serendipity," The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. (Oxford University Press, 1989), vol. 15, p. 153.
  • Example (Bibliography): "Serendipity." The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.

Special Cases and Considerations

• Multiple Definitions: If citing multiple definitions from the same entry, specify which definition you are referencing (e.g., "Serendipity, definition 2a").
• Historical Usage: When discussing the historical usage of a word, the OED often provides the earliest recorded use. Include this information in your discussion, not necessarily in the citation.
• Abbreviations: Be aware of any abbreviations used within the OED entries and ensure they are properly understood. The OED usually contains a list of abbreviations at the beginning of each volume or in the online help section.
• Direct Quotes: If directly quoting a definition from the OED, enclose the quote in quotation marks and provide the proper citation.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively incorporate oxford english dictionary reference for academic writing into your work, ensuring academic integrity and enhancing the clarity of your arguments.

Alright, you’ve got the inside scoop on citing the OED like a pro! Hopefully, this makes finding that perfect oxford english dictionary reference for academic writing a breeze. Happy writing!