Orðabók

Orðabók is the Icelandic term for a dictionary, a reference work that lists words and provides information about their meanings, pronunciation, grammatical properties, etymology, and usage. The word itself is formed from orð (word) and bók (book). A dictionary may be monolingual, presenting definitions in Icelandic, or bilingual, linking Icelandic to another language such as English. It may also be specialized, covering a particular domain or register.

Typical entries include the headword, a pronunciation guide, part of speech, definitions, example sentences, inflectional forms, and etymological notes. Many dictionaries also offer usage remarks, synonyms, antonyms, and cross-references to related words. In modern editions, dictionaries are often available online and support search by spelling, pronunciation, or synonyms; they may include audio pronunciations.

Orðabók plays a central role in language standardization and education in Iceland. They document shifts in vocabulary, record newly coined terms, and help preserve historical forms. Icelandic dictionaries range from general reference works to specialized vocabularies for science, law, and technology, as well as bilingual dictionaries for learners and translators.

For readers, orðabók is a practical tool for looking up a word’s meaning, spelling, and usage, and for editors and researchers as a source of linguistic information. The term is widely used to refer to dictionaries in Icelandic, and it remains a core instrument in the study and preservation of the Icelandic language.