ordbok

An ordbok is a dictionary, a reference work that documents the words of a language and how they are used. A Norwegian ordbok typically presents headwords with pronunciation, part of speech, inflected forms, and a definition in Norwegian, often accompanied by examples. Entries may also include etymology, usage notes, synonyms, collocations, and information on regional variants or language registers. Many monolingual Norwegian dictionaries indicate distinctions between Bokmål and Nynorsk usage, while bilingual dictionaries translate between Norwegian and other languages. Specialized dictionaries cover domains such as science, law, medicine, or slang.

Norwegian dictionaries exist in print and online, and they vary in scope from concise word lists to comprehensive lexicons. Digital editions frequently offer search by root or inflected form, audio pronunciations, usage examples, and fast updates to reflect new words and senses. The online form also facilitates cross-references between related terms and links to related linguistic information.

Major scholarly dictionaries in Norway include Det Norske Akademis ordbok (NAOB) and Norsk Ordbok (NO), which document Norwegian vocabulary across historical periods as well as contemporary usage. These works are used by linguists, educators, writers, students, and journalists, and they contribute to standardization, spelling guidance, and language learning.

In practice, an ordbok serves as a tool for understanding meaning, correct spelling, and appropriate usage, as well as for tracing the history and development of words. It supports language education, research, and the daily work of writers and editors by providing reliable references on form, sense, and etymology.