Merriam-Webster

This is the dictionary I've had near me most of my life, since my mother gave me my first copy (maybe 5th edition) in about 1952. Unless a word is brand new, or technical jargon, if it isn't in this collegiate dictionary I hesitate to use it.
No one dictionary is perfect, but this one comes closer than any of the others I've tried.

Of course I mostly use the online Merriam-Webster's dictionary, but there are some times when only the paper version is satisfying.

Update, 12th edition, December show more 2025:
This edition is improved in almost every way.

Since I ordinarily use a dictionary to find what a word means, not its derivation, the best thing they have done in the 12th edition is to, finally, move etymology information to the end of listings, instead of its previous location right after pronunciation info.

What I do miss is the failure to use International Phonetic Alphabet ((IPA) pronunciation symbols. This is true of almost every American dictionary, paper or digital, where each publisher uses their own silly special set of symbols.

I don't miss the special topic sections at the end of earlier editions of the Collegiate. They were all limited and didn't replace other reference books.

Another thing I do like is the lighter, more agile font, with more whitespace between lines and wider margins, all of which improves readability. Of course, at my age I need glasses to make out text, but the dark, heavy characters of earlier editions were definitely harder for me to read.

The lighter type is a bit of a shock at first but proves itself after a actually reading this great new dictionary. show less

Sometimes I've needed a rhyming dictionary..when I'e been writing some doggerel words to a well known piece of music, or ...very occasionally, a poem. But years since I wrote a poem. So, as I write this review, I'm starting to think.."Why did I buy this book?...do I really need it?". And, I guess I probably don't need it...but then it was $1 at a charity book sale...so kind of irresistible. And, maybe someday i will refer to it. Just knowing that I have a rhyming dictionary gives me a sense show more of power. All I have to do is to be able to find it when I need it. (And that is always easier said than done). I've just given it a quick try. I have the word "Submission" sitting in front of me. So tried "sion"...and got freon, neon...not really what I need. So tried "ion" and got a range of possible sounds including "eon"and "ean" but nothing that rhymes all that well with "mission". I looked for something that would rhyme with "shun" ..but had to settle for "un".....and it came up with the rhyming but unlikely "Balzacian". I realised just through this simple example that the English pronunciation of a word like Mission can vary considerably .....even within the Australian vernacular...let along American and southern or northern English. Still a useful regference book for $1. Who's to complain. I give it three stars. show less

A classic descriptivist guide, MWDEU evaluates contentious issues in the English language through an examination of historical usage and commentary. Its counsel is constructive, broadminded, and entertaining.

Each entry includes clear and astute analysis, a historical overview of usage and interpretation, and repeated advice to judge for oneself. The lasting impression is of being treated without condescension as a person with the good sense to assess the evidence and arguments and to make show more up one’s own mind.

Likely to appeal to anyone interested in the evolution and modern application of English grammar and usage. show less

The stereotype of the school dictionary, Merriam-Webster is accurate, concise, and more-or-less unremarkable. Nowadays, it is best used when the internet is unavailable or otherwise undesirable.