Library Access to Merriam-Webster Dictionary

1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary for
Children
By Lauren Gehant

3. What is a dictionary
• A dictionary is a composed list of words that give their meaning and
definitions.
• Many people use dictionaries to looks up words they don’t know or
words they aren’t able to define.
• Children use dictionaries in the same way, though a children’s
dictionary may be different than an adult’s version.

4. What is the Merriam-Webster Dictionary for
Children
• This dictionary is used a resource for children who want to learn new
words and their meanings!
• This dictionary also includes phonics at the top of the page to help
children learn to read and write.
• The intended audience is school age children who are using a
curricula resource.

5. How Accessible is the
Content
• The print is a little small to read, but the content is
very well organized.
• This specific dictionary is intended for children 8-11
years old. If younger children were to try and use
this resource, it may be too advanced for younger
kids.
• This resource is a print reference and will need to be
picked up at the local library, Graves-Hume Public
Library. Or you can purchase a copy at
https://shop.merriam-
webster.com/products/merriam-websters-dictionary-
for-children-1

6. Requesting it at the Graves-Hume Public Library
• By logging into the library’s database, you have access to request this
reference source be sent to the library. Hit the Green My GHPL.
• Please view the next slide for a screenshot.

8. Requesting it at the Graves-Hume Public Library
• Next you must use your login access information!
• Please view the next slide for a screenshot.

10. Requesting it at the Graves-Hume Public Library
• In the search box, type Merriam-Webster dictionary for children.
• On the right- hand side, there will be an option to request it. Hit that
button and choose your library. All that is left is to pick up the book
when it comes in! 

12. History of Merriam-Webster
• “Merriam-Webster is America’s foremost publisher of language-related
reference works. In addition to its award-winning Merriam-Webster.com
dictionary site, the company offers a diverse array of print and digital
language references [...]” (Merriam-Webster).
• “In 1831, brothers George and Charles Merriam opened a printing and
bookselling operation in Springfield, Massachusetts which they named G.&C.
Merriam Co. The company, which was renamed Merriam-Webster
Incorporated, in 1982, has been in continuous operation since that time”
(Merriam-Webster).

13. History of Merriam-Webster contd.
• “Merriam-Webster can be considered the direct lexicographical heir of Noah
Webster. In 1843, the company bought the rights to the 1841 edition of
Webster’s magnum opus, An American Dictionary of the English Language,
Corrected and Enlarged. At the same time, they secured the rights to create
revised editions of the work. Since that time, Merriam-Webster editors have
carried forward Noah Webster’s work, creating some of the most widely used
and respected dictionaries and reference books in the world” (Merriam-
Webster”.

14. What can Merriam-Webster do for you?
• Children can learn new and exciting words!
• It can also help with learning new sounds.
• There are fun and exciting pictures to go along with learning new
words!

15. Arrangement of
Information/How to
Search
• All the information is arranged in
alphabetical order.
• Any word you’re looking for will be listed in
alphabetical order.
• A sample question this resource could
answer is “What does hypochondriac
mean?”
• “What sound does the letter A make?”

17. Follow Up
• If you have any questions, please ask your librarian. We will be more
than happy to help you! 

18. Citations
• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's
most-trusted online dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved December
13, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/.
• All images (except stock images) and quotes are taken from Merriam-
Webster’s website.