What does lexicographical mean?
Lexicographical means relating to dictionaries, word lists, or the formal study and arrangement of words. Its best-known use is in the phrase “lexicographical order,” meaning the ordering of words or entries alphabetically. In specialist contexts, it can describe principles, methods, research, or work connected with dictionary-making and lexicography. The word is formal and primarily associated with language reference, publishing, librarianship, and philology. It is more specific than the general idea of an ordered list: lexicographical order normally follows the conventions of the alphabet and, in a dictionary, may also account for distinctions such as capitalization, punctuation, and the treatment of abbreviations. For readers encountering the term for the first time, “lexicographical order” provides its central idea immediately. The adjective complements related words such as lexicon, lexicography, and lexicographer while remaining less common in everyday speech.
adjectiveRelating to lexicography, the practice of compiling, describing, and ordering words in dictionaries or other word lists. It may also describe an arrangement based on the alphabetical order of words.
- Relating to lexicography or the preparation and description of dictionaries and word lists.
- Based on or expressed in the alphabetical ordering of words or entries.
"The editors debated the lexicographical arrangement of the entries."
"The guide follows a strict lexicographical arrangement of its vocabulary."
"Her research focuses on lexicographical methods and the organization of dictionary entries."
Lexicographical order puts language in alphabetical line—proof that even the alphabet has a place in the dictionary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lexicographical come from?
The adjective comes through Latin lexicographicus, formed from elements associated with Greek lexikos, “of words or dictionaries,” and graphein, “to write.” The related English noun lexicography likewise refers to the practice of collecting, describing, and ordering words. Its vocabulary ultimately draws on the Greek lexikon, meaning a word list or dictionary, and graphein, meaning “to write.”
Related word forms
How lexicographical is actually used
Lexicographical is formal and scholarly. It is most often used in the established expression “lexicographical order”; the shorter form “lexicographic” is also common.
Easily confused with lexicographical
Lexicographical and lexicographic are closely related adjectives; lexicographical is especially common in the fixed phrase “lexicographical order,” while lexicographic is more often used in specialized descriptions of dictionary work.
Lexicography concerns the compilation and description of dictionaries, whereas lexicology is the broader academic study of words, their meanings, and their history.