How to Use the iPhone Hidden Dictionary Feature to Define Words Anywhere

When reading a complex article or a formal email on your iPhone, you will inevitably encounter words you do not recognize. The standard approach for most users is to copy the word, close the current app, open Safari, paste the word into Google, and search for the definition. This context switching is highly disruptive to your reading flow. Fortunately, Apple has integrated a comprehensive, system-wide dictionary directly into iOS that allows you to look up definitions instantly without ever leaving your current application.

Downloading Your Preferred Dictionaries

Before you can use the lookup tool offline or rely on it for specialized definitions, you must ensure you have the correct dictionaries downloaded to your device. Apple offers dozens of dictionaries in multiple languages, including Oxford English, Apple Dictionary (for Apple-specific terminology), and various bilingual translation dictionaries.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Scroll down and tap on Dictionary.
4. You will see a list of available dictionaries. Tap any dictionary (such as “British English – Oxford Dictionary of English”) to download it. A small checkmark will appear next to it when the download is complete.

Using the Lookup Feature in Any App

Once your dictionaries are installed, the feature is immediately active across the entire operating system, from Safari and Apple News to third-party apps like WhatsApp and Gmail.

1. Open an article or an email containing a word you want to define.
2. Tap and hold your finger on the specific word until the text selection tool highlights it.
3. A black contextual menu bar will appear above the word with options like “Copy” and “Select All”.
4. If you do not see the definition option immediately, tap the right-pointing arrow on the menu bar to reveal more options.
5. Tap Look Up.

Understanding the Look Up Card

A card will instantly slide up from the bottom of your screen. The top section of this card displays the exact dictionary definition of the word, including its part of speech, phonetic spelling, and multiple contexts. Tap the definition box to read the full entry in a full-screen view.

Below the dictionary definition, the Look Up card often leverages Siri Knowledge to provide additional context. For example, if you look up the word “Apollo,” it will not only provide the dictionary definition but also offer Wikipedia summaries of the Greek god and the NASA space program, alongside relevant web links and news articles.

Using Spotlight Search as a Dictionary

If you hear a word spoken out loud and want to know its definition, you do not need to type it into a web browser. You can use the iPhone’s built-in Spotlight search.

1. Unlock your iPhone and swipe down from the middle of the Home Screen to open the Search bar.
2. Type the word you want to define.
3. Scroll down past the app suggestions and web links until you see the Dictionary section.
4. Tap the word to instantly view its full definition.