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LibGuide English Language and Culture / American Studies: Dictionaries and encyclopedias

Library services and resources in the fields of English and American studies

Dictionaries

Regular dictionaries:

Historical dictionaries:

Encyclopedias

The encyclopedias below contain short entries explaining jargon, terms, or concepts in certain subject areas. Even though sometimes they're called 'dictionaries', they're no regular dictionaries. These encyclopedias generally provide a quick overview of important concepts for your subject, and often contain suggestions for further reading to deepen your understanding and continue your research.

You can find other reference works about English, literature, linguistics, history, music, and arts and media studies here at Oxford Reference.