# Chambers Dictionary — Classic English reference

> Comprehensive single-volume English dictionary with extensive word coverage and advanced search. (iPhone/iPad app by Antony Lewis.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chambers-dictionary/id314269183 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Antony Lewis](https://appshunter.io/developer/289981687)
- Category: Reference, Productivity
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 13 App Store ratings · 113 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.5 · 58 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-05-18
- Data updated: 2026-08-27
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chambers-dictionary/id314269183/reviews.md

## What is Chambers Dictionary?

Chambers is the single-volume international English dictionary with the widest coverage of all the riches of the English language.  Clear, accurate and occasionally witty definitions, with the latest new words from science, technology and contemporary culture.

This 13th Edition reflects the changes in our language, with special attention paid to new words that have emerged, new uses of old words and the most up-to-date pronunciation. The 13th Edition includes over 260,000 distinct words, compounds, phrases and derived forms.

The intelligent word entry suggests possible correct spellings as you type, as well as listing words that sound the same or are often confused. Search features include:

 - Alphabetical listing
 - Spelling suggestions
 - Sounds-like and often-confused
 - Fast pattern-matching search (*, ?, vowel and consonant)
 - Filter search results by noun, verb, adjective, adverbs
 - Customize search options (case, derived forms, etc)
 - Full text search
 - Anagrams

There are also standard bookmark, recent word and random word features. No Internet connection is required, and it supports Split View and Slide over for use with other apps on iPad.

The Chambers Dictionary is treasured by word-lovers and crossword enthusiasts for its majestic coverage of English and its tradition of sneaking in a sprinkling of light-hearted definitions. Alone among the single-volume dictionaries, it preserves a rich stock of words from our literary heritage as well as covering all the latest developments in contemporary English.

Chambers Thesaurus is also available as a separate app, and can easily be cross-referenced from the dictionary. Our WordWeb, Chambers, Collins and Oxford dictionaries are also available separately for Windows and Mac desktop.

## Key features

- Extensive word coverage
- Latest new words
- Intelligent spelling suggestions
- Advanced search with pattern matching
- Filter search results by word type
- Offline functionality
- Anagrams

## Recent user reviews (10 of 113)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chambers-dictionary/id314269183/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Excellent reference, one item…

*2026-07-11, version 8.4*

The ability to access the dictionary and thesaurus through the share menu in various apps would be a tremendous help.

### 2/5 — Used to be really good…

*2026-06-23, version 8.4*

But their new version is clunky and the layout makes definitions harder to read. I’ll be using an alternative app from now on. Dylan

### 5/5 — First rate

*2026-06-14, version 8.3*

The best for crosswords and word puzzles.

### 5/5 — Excellent app for puzzlers

*2026-06-10, version 8.3*

My long-time go-to app for crosswords and other word puzzles. Life is too short to spend ages on unscrambling anagrams so let this app do the work. And a very extensive vocabulary of obscure words to back up the excellent search options. Worth every penny!

### 3/5 — Fine app, terrible UI

*2026-06-09, version 8.2*

It hurts my soul how badly messed up the UI is in this app. The latest refresh, picking up iOS 26 controls a mere 11 months after it was released, has managed to make the UI even worse.

### 3/5 — Now disappointing

*2026-06-07, version 8.2*

This was absolutely great until a recent update which means it it looks worse and annoyingly needs more taps to use. Was simple and easy, you would think it would be hard to mess that up.

### 2/5 — Return colour format to white not grey

*2026-06-06, version 8.2*

Please put return the look to a white not grey format, hate the update

### 5/5 — No “cataphatic”

*2026-03-10, version 5.8*

Great app! Thank you, especially for the etymology.
However (there’s always a ‘but’), I couldn’t find the word ‘cataphatic’ which I had only just come across.
No big deal but it would be nice to have it included in an update. And yes, it IS a word. 😁

### 3/5 — Words not defined

*2026-01-05, version 5.8*

I have been using the Dictionary and thesaurus for some months. Today I typed in ‘carnal’ and no results found. 
Also the list of definitions for words is limited and not as comprehensive as I expected. Very disappointing to use for crosswords when it’s the recommended resource.

### 5/5 — Issue with sharing

*2025-02-27, version 5.7*

I chose to share an entry via the messages app.
I used the “Copy to clipboard” sharing feature.
The resulting text was unusable, full of character encoding defects.

## Frequently asked questions about Chambers Dictionary

### What is Chambers Dictionary?

Chambers Dictionary is a comprehensive single-volume English dictionary renowned for its extensive coverage of words, including the latest terms from science, technology, and contemporary culture. It provides clear, accurate, and sometimes witty definitions, along with up-to-date pronunciation.

### What are the key search features?

The app offers intelligent word entry with spelling suggestions as you type. Its advanced search capabilities include alphabetical listing, sounds-like and often-confused word suggestions, fast pattern-matching search (*, ?, vowel, consonant), and the ability to filter results by word type (noun, verb, adjective, adverb).

### Does this app require an internet connection?

No, an internet connection is not required to use Chambers Dictionary. It is a fully offline reference, making it accessible anytime and anywhere. This also allows for seamless use with other apps on compatible devices.

### Who would benefit from using this dictionary app?

This app is ideal for word-lovers, crossword puzzle enthusiasts, students, writers, and anyone who needs a robust and reliable English language reference. Its vast vocabulary and advanced search features make it a valuable tool for understanding and expanding one's lexicon.

### Is there a cost associated with this app?

Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or subscription models, indicating a one-time purchase for full access to its features and content.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 8.5 — 2026-07-30

iPad X-ref fix

### 8.4 — 2026-06-21

iPad windowed display improvements.

### 8.3 — 2026-06-09

Full text search. Minor fixes.

### 8.2 — 2026-05-29

Added full text search feature. Latest iOS compatibility.

### 8.0 — 2026-05-20

Added full text search feature

## Apps similar to Chambers Dictionary

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxford-dictionary-and-thesaurus/id978674211) | 4.6 (28,630) | Free | Reference |
| [Dictionary.com: English Words](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionarycom-english-words/id308750436) | 4.8 (327,803) | Free | Reference |
| [Merriam-Webster Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merriam-webster-dictionary/id399452287) | 4.8 (323,824) | Free | Reference |
| [Dictionary.com Pro English](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionarycom-pro-english/id385756768) | 4.8 (28,927) | $5.99 | Reference |
| [English Dictionary - Offline](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/english-dictionary-offline/id612435296) | 4.3 (572) | Free | Reference |
| [Dictionary and Thesaurus Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionary-and-thesaurus-pro/id492085918) | 4.9 (2,560) | $9.99 | Reference |

## More apps by Antony Lewis

- [Crossword Help](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-help/id290636742)
- [WordWeb American Audio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordweb-american-audio/id308587200)
- [WordWeb Audio Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordweb-audio-dictionary/id309527746)
- [WordWeb Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordweb-dictionary/id309627313)
- [Chambers Thesaurus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chambers-thesaurus/id342112144)

All apps by Antony Lewis: https://appshunter.io/developer/289981687

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-27.*