vocabulary

[ voh-kab-yuh-ler-ee ]
/ voʊˈkæb yəˌlɛr i /

noun, plural vo·cab·u·lar·ies.

the stock of words used by or known to a particular people or group of persons: His French vocabulary is rather limited. The scientific vocabulary is constantly growing.
a list or collection of the words or phrases of a language, technical field, etc., usually arranged in alphabetical order and defined: Study the vocabulary in the fourth chapter.
the words of a language.
any collection of signs or symbols constituting a means or system of nonverbal communication: vocabulary of a computer.
any more or less specific group of forms characteristic of an artist, a style of art, architecture, or the like.

Origin of vocabulary

1525–35; < Medieval Latin vocābulārium, noun use of neuter of vocābulārius of words, equivalent to Latin vocābul(um) vocable + -ārius -ary

OTHER WORDS FROM vocabulary

vo·cab·u·lar·ied, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for vocabulary

British Dictionary definitions for vocabulary

vocabulary
/ (vəˈkæbjʊlərɪ) /

noun plural -laries

a listing, either selective or exhaustive, containing the words and phrases of a language, with meanings or translations into another language; glossary
the aggregate of words in the use or comprehension of a specified person, class, profession, etc
all the words contained in a language
a range or system of symbols, qualities, or techniques constituting a means of communication or expression, as any of the arts or crafts a wide vocabulary of textures and colours

Word Origin for vocabulary

C16: from Medieval Latin vocābulārium, from vocābulārius concerning words, from Latin vocābulum vocable