What was Lexico, and what kind of content did it provide?

Lexico was a dictionary website that offered a collection of English and Spanish dictionaries. This content was produced by Oxford University Press (OUP), which is the publishing house of the University of Oxford.

Who operated the Lexico website, and who was its owner?

The Lexico website was operated by Dictionary.com, and Dictionary.com was also listed as its owner. The website provided dictionary content created by Oxford University Press.

When was the Lexico website officially closed and redirected?

The Lexico website was closed and redirected to Dictionary.com on August 26, 2022. This marked the end of Lexico as a standalone domain.

What languages were supported by the dictionaries available on Lexico?

Lexico provided access to dictionaries in two primary languages: English and Spanish. The English dictionaries drew from major OUP publications, while Spanish was available in both monolingual and bilingual formats.

What was the previous online platform used by Oxford University Press for its dictionaries before Lexico?

Before the launch of Lexico, Oxford University Press hosted its dictionaries on its own website, initially known as Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO). This platform was later rebranded as Oxford Living Dictionaries.

How did Oxford University Press make its dictionary content accessible to other digital services?

Oxford University Press licensed its dictionary content through the Oxford Dictionaries API. This allowed services like Google definition search and the Dictionary application on macOS to incorporate OUP's lexical data.

What was the earliest online dictionary service mentioned from Oxford University Press?

In the 2000s, Oxford University Press provided access to the Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English through a website called AskOxford.com.

When did Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) launch, and what did it replace?

Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) was launched in 2010 on the domain oxforddictionaries.com. It superseded the dictionary content that had previously been available on AskOxford.com.

What incentive was offered to purchasers of the 2010 edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English?

Buyers who purchased the third edition of the Oxford Dictionary of English in 2010 received a one-year subscription to the content available on the Oxford Dictionaries Online website.

What specific OUP dictionary and thesaurus titles were included in the content of Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO)?

The English dictionaries hosted on ODO incorporated content from several key OUP publications: the Oxford Dictionary of English, the New Oxford American Dictionary, the Oxford Thesaurus of English, and the Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus.

Besides English dictionaries, what other language resources did Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) offer?

In addition to its English language resources, ODO also provided a Spanish monolingual dictionary. Furthermore, it offered bilingual dictionaries that facilitated translation between English and various other languages.

How frequently was the Oxford Dictionaries Online website updated as of June 2014?

As of June 2014, the Oxford Dictionaries Online website underwent updates every three months, ensuring its content remained relatively current.

What was the Oxford Global Languages initiative, and when did it begin?

The Oxford Global Languages initiative was launched by OUP in 2014 with the goal of building lexical resources, specifically bilingual dictionaries, for languages worldwide. It aimed to expand OUP's reach into diverse linguistic markets.

Which languages were the first to feature online dictionaries under the Oxford Global Languages initiative?

The Oxford Global Languages initiative first released online dictionaries for Zulu and Northern Sotho in 2015, marking the initial phase of its expansion into global languages.

How were the Oxford Dictionaries Online services rebranded in 2016?

In 2016, Oxford University Press rebranded its online dictionary services. The free content was renamed Oxford Living Dictionaries, while the subscription-based content became known as Oxford Dictionaries Premium.

When did the free English and Spanish dictionaries transition to Lexico.com, and what was this transition?

In June 2019, the free English and Spanish dictionaries were moved to Lexico.com. This move represented a collaboration between Oxford University Press and Dictionary.com.

Who was responsible for the creation and writing of the dictionary content on Lexico?

While Lexico was a collaborative project involving Dictionary.com's operation, the actual lexicographic content, including definitions and word entries, was written solely by staff members of Oxford University Press.

What happened to the US English dictionary content from Oxford Living Dictionaries when Lexico was launched?

Upon the migration to Lexico, the US English dictionary previously available on Oxford Living Dictionaries was initially terminated, except for words not covered by the UK dictionary. However, the full US English dictionary was reinstated on Lexico in early 2020.

What was the historical connection between the name Lexico and Dictionary.com?

The name Lexico had a prior association with Dictionary.com, as it was part of the former company name, Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. This connection likely influenced the choice of name for the collaborative dictionary website.

When were the Oxford Living Dictionaries websites dedicated to the Global Languages program closed?

The remaining Oxford Living Dictionaries websites, which hosted dictionaries developed under the Global Languages program, were closed in March 2020.

What was Oxford University Press's strategic shift regarding digital dictionaries for less commonly resourced languages?

Following the closure of its Global Languages websites, OUP stated its strategy would shift from maintaining individual dictionary sites to facilitating third parties. OUP would focus on providing the necessary data for these third parties to build products and services tailored to specific language communities.

Which languages were covered by the Oxford Living Dictionaries Global Languages program before its closure?

Prior to their closure in March 2020, the Global Languages program websites hosted dictionaries for a range of languages including Zulu, Northern Sotho, Malay, Urdu, Tswana, Indonesian, Romanian, Latvian, Swahili, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Tatar, Xhosa, Southern Quechua, Tajik, Tok Pisin, Turkmen, Telugu, and Greek.

What was the fundamental difference in access and focus between Lexico and the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a subscription-based service, whereas Lexico utilized the Oxford Dictionaries API to offer modern English and Spanish dictionaries for free. Lexico focused on current usage, while the OED is a historical record.

How did the OED describe its distinction from Oxford Dictionaries, the predecessor to Lexico?

The OED described itself as a historical dictionary recording English over 1,000 years with meanings ordered chronologically. In contrast, Oxford Dictionaries focused on current English, prioritizing modern meanings and uses of words.

What was the web address for Lexico, and where does it now redirect?

The web address for Lexico was www.lexico.com. Following its closure, this URL now redirects to www.dictionary.com.

What was the previous URL associated with Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) before it became Lexico?

The domain www.oxforddictionaries.com served as the online home for Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) from 2010 until 2019, before the content was moved to Lexico.

Was registration required to use Lexico?

No, registration was not required to access the dictionaries and content provided by Lexico.

Was Lexico a commercial service?

Yes, Lexico was operated as a commercial website.

What was the operational status of the Lexico website after August 26, 2022?

After August 26, 2022, the Lexico website became offline. It now functions solely as a redirect to Dictionary.com.

What role did the Oxford Dictionaries API play in Lexico's service?

The Oxford Dictionaries API was instrumental in Lexico's operation, enabling the website to provide free access to modern versions of the Oxford Dictionary of English and the New Oxford American Dictionary.

How did Lexico's approach to word meanings differ from the historical perspective of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?

Lexico, like its predecessor Oxford Dictionaries, prioritized presenting modern meanings and uses of words first. The OED, however, is a historical dictionary that orders meanings chronologically based on their earliest recorded usage in English over more than a millennium.

What was the nature of the collaboration between Oxford University Press and Dictionary.com for the Lexico project?

The collaboration involved Oxford University Press providing the authoritative dictionary content, while Dictionary.com managed the operation of the website. Notably, all lexicographic content was written exclusively by OUP staff.

What was the status of Oxford Dictionaries Premium in relation to the Lexico closure?

While Lexico was closed and redirected on August 26, 2022, the Oxford Dictionaries Premium service continued to be available separately, indicating a distinction in their operational models.

What was the initial purpose of the AskOxford.com website?

AskOxford.com served as an early platform where Oxford University Press made content from the Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English accessible to the public.

What specific OUP thesauri were integrated into the Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) content?

The content on Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) included not only dictionaries like the Oxford Dictionary of English and New Oxford American Dictionary but also the Oxford Thesaurus of English and the Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus.

What was the scope of bilingual dictionaries offered through ODO?

Beyond its English and Spanish monolingual dictionaries, ODO also provided bilingual dictionaries that facilitated translation between English and several other languages, broadening its utility.

What was the significance of the name Lexico Publishing Group, LLC in relation to Dictionary.com?

Lexico Publishing Group, LLC was the former corporate name of Dictionary.com. The adoption of the name Lexico for the dictionary website highlighted this existing relationship.

What was OUP's strategy for supporting digitally under-resourced languages after March 2020?

OUP shifted its strategy to focus on providing data to third-party organizations. These partners would then develop and offer products and services specifically designed for the needs of individual language communities, rather than OUP maintaining its own dedicated websites.

What was the exact date of Lexico's closure?

Lexico was officially closed on August 26, 2022.

How did Lexico leverage the Oxford Dictionaries API to provide its services?

Lexico utilized the Oxford Dictionaries API to grant users free access to modern versions of key OUP dictionaries, specifically the Oxford Dictionary of English and the New Oxford American Dictionary.

How did the presentation of meanings in Lexico's dictionaries contrast with the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)?

Lexico's dictionaries, like its predecessor Oxford Dictionaries, prioritized modern meanings first. In contrast, the OED is a historical dictionary that orders meanings chronologically based on their first recorded appearance in English.

What was the operational role of Dictionary.com in the Lexico project?

Dictionary.com was responsible for the operation of the Lexico website. It also held ownership of the Lexico domain and platform.

What was the original purpose of the URL www.oxforddictionaries.com?

The URL www.oxforddictionaries.com was used by Oxford University Press from 2010 to 2019 to host its online dictionary services, including Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO).

What was the status of the US English dictionary on Lexico in early 2020?

In early 2020, the US English dictionary became fully accessible on Lexico. This followed an initial period where its availability was limited after the migration from Oxford Living Dictionaries.

What was the division of labor in the Lexico collaboration between OUP and Dictionary.com?

Oxford University Press provided the dictionary content and ensured its lexicographic accuracy through its staff writers. Dictionary.com managed the website's operations and user interface.

What was the reason cited by Oxford University Press for closing the Global Languages websites?

Oxford University Press cited a strategic shift to facilitate third parties in building products and services for specific language communities, rather than maintaining individual websites for each language. OUP's focus would be on providing the necessary data.

How did Oxford Dictionaries Premium differ from the free content offered by Lexico?

Oxford Dictionaries Premium was a separate subscription service offering advanced features, while Lexico provided free access to English and Spanish dictionaries derived from OUP's core content.

What was the historical scope of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) compared to Lexico?

The OED is a historical dictionary that documents the English language over more than 1,000 years, including obsolete terms and meanings ordered chronologically. Lexico, conversely, focused on contemporary English, presenting modern meanings first.

What was the relationship between Lexico and the Oxford Dictionary of English?

Lexico provided free online access to modern versions of the Oxford Dictionary of English, utilizing content licensed through the Oxford Dictionaries API.

What was the role of Oxford University Press in the creation of Lexico's content?

Oxford University Press was the sole creator and writer of the lexicographic content featured on Lexico, drawing from its established dictionaries and thesauri.

Lexico Wiki: Lexico Unveiled: A Digital Lexicon's Journey

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

What Was Lexico?

A Premier Dictionary Resource

Lexico was a prominent online dictionary website that offered a curated collection of English and Spanish language resources. These dictionaries were meticulously produced by Oxford University Press (OUP), the esteemed publishing house affiliated with the University of Oxford.^[1] While OUP provided the authoritative lexicographical content, the website itself was operated by Dictionary.com, a platform known for hosting dictionaries from various publishers.^[13]

Digital Lexicography

Lexico served as a digital gateway to OUP's extensive lexical data. It leveraged the Oxford Dictionaries API to present modern definitions and usage information for the Oxford Dictionary of English and the New Oxford American Dictionary.^[18] This initiative aimed to make high-quality linguistic information accessible to a broad audience, distinguishing itself from the historical focus of the more comprehensive Oxford English Dictionary (OED).^[19]

Integration and Reach

The lexicographical content originating from OUP, and subsequently featured on Lexico, found its way into various digital platforms. Notably, these definitions were integrated into Google's definition search functionality and Apple's macOS Dictionary application, underscoring the widespread utility and licensing of OUP's linguistic data.^[1]

Content Offered

English Dictionaries

Lexico prominently featured English dictionaries derived from OUP's esteemed publications. These included the Oxford Dictionary of English (ODE) and the New Oxford American Dictionary (NOAD).^[6] The content was designed to reflect current English usage, prioritizing common meanings and contemporary applications.^[19]

Spanish Resources

In addition to its English offerings, Lexico also provided a Spanish monolingual dictionary. Furthermore, it facilitated bilingual dictionaries, enabling translation and understanding between English and several other languages, broadening its linguistic scope.^[6]

Value-Added Features

Beyond definitions, Lexico incorporated related lexical tools such as the Oxford Thesaurus of English and the Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus. This comprehensive approach aimed to support users in vocabulary enhancement, writing, and language comprehension.^[6]

Key Collaborators

Oxford University Press (OUP)

As the originator of the lexicographical content, Oxford University Press played a central role. OUP, the publishing arm of the University of Oxford, is renowned globally for its scholarly works and dictionaries, maintaining rigorous standards in linguistic research and compilation.^[1]

Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com, a major online dictionary provider, operated the Lexico website. This partnership allowed OUP's content to be presented on a platform with significant user reach and established digital infrastructure.^[13] Notably, "Lexico" was also part of the former name of Dictionary.com's parent company, Lexico Publishing Group, LLC, highlighting a historical connection.^[13]

Timeline of Development

Early Digital Initiatives

OUP's digital presence in lexicography began earlier, with resources like AskOxford.com in the 2000s, which featured content from the Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English.^[3]

Launch and Rebranding

In 2010, OUP launched Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO) at oxforddictionaries.com, superseding earlier dictionary content.^[4] This platform was later rebranded as Oxford Living Dictionaries in 2016, with subscription content offered as Oxford Dictionaries Premium.^[9]

2010: Launch of Oxford Dictionaries Online (ODO).^[4]
2014: OUP initiates the Oxford Global Languages project to build lexical resources for various languages.^[8]
2016: Rebranding of free content to Oxford Living Dictionaries.^[9]
June 2019: English and Spanish dictionaries migrate to Lexico.com, a collaboration with Dictionary.com.^[10]
March 2020: Remaining Oxford Living Dictionaries websites for global languages are closed, with OUP focusing on providing data to third parties.^[14]
August 2022: Lexico.com is closed and redirected to Dictionary.com.^[16]

Global Languages Initiative

As part of its commitment to linguistic diversity, OUP launched the Oxford Global Languages initiative in 2014. This project aimed to create comprehensive lexical resources for numerous world languages, making them accessible online. Dictionaries for languages such as Zulu, Malay, Urdu, and Hindi were among those developed and hosted.^[8]

Current Status

Offline and Redirected

The Lexico website ceased operations on 26 August 2022. Following its closure, the domain now redirects to Dictionary.com, consolidating OUP's English and Spanish dictionary content under that platform.^[16] While Lexico is no longer active, Oxford Dictionaries Premium remains available as a separate subscription service.^[17]

Commercial Nature

Lexico was a commercial venture, offering its extensive dictionary content freely to users. This model allowed for broad accessibility while leveraging OUP's authoritative data and Dictionary.com's platform capabilities. No registration was required for access, facilitating ease of use for all visitors.^[1]

Lexico vs. OED

Distinct Focus

A key distinction exists between Lexico and the venerable Oxford English Dictionary (OED). While both are products of OUP, they serve different purposes. Lexico focused on contemporary English, prioritizing modern meanings and current usage.^[19]

Historical Depth

Conversely, the OED is a historical dictionary, meticulously documenting the English language's evolution over more than a millennium. It includes obsolete terms and traces the chronological development of meanings, offering a much broader, historical perspective compared to Lexico's focus on present-day language.^[19]

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Lexico" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about lexico while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

flag of south africa 1928–1994

jorge emilio gonzález mart ínez

new orleans police department

minister of state

battle of fort sumter

2001–02 seattle supersonics season

takedda

gomorrah film

french first republic

square dance

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Lexico Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not reflect the most current or complete information regarding Lexico or related linguistic resources.

This is not professional advice. The information presented herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding lexicography, digital publishing, or language resources. Always refer to official documentation or consult with qualified experts for specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Lexicon Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What Was Lexico? ℹ️

📖 A Premier Dictionary Resource

🌐 Digital Lexicography

🔗 Integration and Reach

Content Offered 🗂️

🇬🇧 English Dictionaries

🇪🇸 Spanish Resources

💡 Value-Added Features

Key Collaborators 🤝

🎓 Oxford University Press (OUP)

💻 Dictionary.com

Timeline of Development ⏳

📜 Early Digital Initiatives

🚀 Launch and Rebranding

🌍 Global Languages Initiative

Current Status 🚫

⚠️ Offline and Redirected

💰 Commercial Nature

Lexico vs. OED ⚖️

🧐 Distinct Focus

🕰️ Historical Depth

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What Was Lexico?

A Premier Dictionary Resource

Digital Lexicography

Integration and Reach

Content Offered

English Dictionaries

Spanish Resources

Value-Added Features

Key Collaborators

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Dictionary.com

Timeline of Development

Early Digital Initiatives

Launch and Rebranding

Global Languages Initiative

Current Status

Offline and Redirected

Commercial Nature

Lexico vs. OED

Distinct Focus

Historical Depth

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice