Want a definition for your search terms? It's just a click away.

Google looks for dictionary definitions for your search terms. If it finds any definitions, it shows those words as underlined links or includes a definition link in the statistics bar section of the results page (located below the search box showing your query). Google is able to find definitions for acronyms, colloquialisms, and slang, as well as words that you would expect to find in a dictionary.

Click on the underlined terms or the definition link in the statistics bar to link to their dictionary definition, which also may include information on pronunciation, part of speech, etymology, and usage.

For example, learn what co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and CEO Eric Schmidt mean when they say they run Google as a triumvirate by clicking on the link triumvirate.

Phrases with idiomatic meanings that aren't necessarily implied by the definitions of the individual words will be linked to their dictionary definitions, e.g., "happy hour," "put off," "greasy spoon," and "raise the roof."

If Google doesn't find a definition for a term, try using Google Glossary.

Exercises

1. According to the dictionary, what is an "urban legend"?

2. Find the history of the word 'chivalry.' From which language does it come and from what word?

3. Does Google provide a link to dictionary for definitions of terms in languages other than English?

4. What does 'zeitgeist' mean? What's on the Google Zeitgeist page www.google.com/press/zeitgeist.html?

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