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NZSL Dictionary

NZSL Dictionary

by David McKee

9 ratings
51 reviews
πŸ“š Education
πŸ” Reference
Free

Details

Released
May 1, 2012
Updated
November 3, 2026

Features

Developer

David McKee
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NZSL Dictionary screenshot #1 for iPhone
NZSL Dictionary screenshot #2 for iPhone
NZSL Dictionary screenshot #3 for iPhone
NZSL Dictionary screenshot #4 for iPhone
NZSL Dictionary screenshot #5 for iPhone
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πŸ”„2+ apps
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❓8 answered
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About

This app offers a comprehensive dictionary of New Zealand Sign Language, featuring diagrams and videos for thousands of words and phrases. It includes a daily "Word of the Day" to expand vocabulary and allows offline viewing of diagrams.

βœ“4,000+ English words and phrases
βœ“Diagrams and videos
βœ“Offline diagram viewing
βœ“Daily "Word of the Day"
βœ“Quick search functionality
βœ“Māori translations included
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What users say about NZSL Dictionary

Reviews of NZSL Dictionary are mixed: the Reference app is rated 4.0/5 from 9 App Store ratings. What users like most: great for learning NZSL, helpful for teaching others. Top complaints: not optimized for newer devices, clunky and unsightly experience. Summarized from real user reviews.

Positive things

  • πŸ‘Great for learning NZSL
  • πŸ‘Helpful for teaching others
  • πŸ‘Easy to use and navigate
  • πŸ‘Videos are very helpful
  • πŸ‘Good for vocabulary building
  • πŸ‘Free and accessible
  • πŸ‘Quick search functionality
  • πŸ‘Useful for quick reference
  • πŸ‘Good for daily use
  • πŸ‘Intuitive interface
  • πŸ‘Translates sign to words
  • πŸ‘Includes Māori translations
  • πŸ‘Automatic video playback

Negative things

  • πŸ›Not optimized for newer devices
  • πŸ›Clunky and unsightly experience
  • πŸ›Videos not supported on older iOS
  • πŸ›Videos take ages to load or don't load
  • πŸ›App crashes frequently
  • πŸ›Inconsistent search results
  • πŸ›Missing Māori translations in app
  • πŸ›Lacks offline video access
  • πŸ›Some signs may be incorrect
  • πŸ›Word of the day can be sensitive
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What's New in NZSL Dictionary

2.9.0

November 3, 2026

The sign dictionary database has been updated to version 2026-11-01

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

NZSL

Hey this is a really cool app and has helped me learn sign language pretty fast and I am teaching my friends and family it’s a must do
NLNzsl learner

Love it

As an avid NZSL learner, I’ve found this as a great way to build vocabulary. I would however like to see a β€œmore information” button explaining the context of how a particular sign is used like the website, but other than that, this app is great.
Jjocec83

Missing Te Reo Māori

I wish I reached for this app more often, but sadly I prefer the website. The app is not optimised for newer devices so it is a very clunky and unsightly experience. I also miss the Māori translations that the website provides (they do not appear for me as shown in the app preview photographs). The one good thing about this app is that the videos play automatically!
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πŸ’”πŸ’”πŸ–€β£οΈ

Great app but needs newer iOS support

Have been using this with our autistic primary school students as great support, but recently noticed the videos don’t seem to be supported using my iPhone 8 Plus device. Previously used iPhone 6 Plus fine but that only went up to iOS 12.
I myself am a very visual person and learned well from the videos to show the kids. Hope it’s able to be fixed. πŸ€—
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JJanni_nz

App

The app is good but if you go to (nzsl dictionary) it will work faster and I like it more
AAkieliah
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User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

8 issues

App not optimized for newer devices

Bug

Videos not supported on older iOS versions

Bug

Videos fail to load or load very slowly

Bug

App crashes when searching specific phrases

Bug

App closes down unexpectedly

Bug

Only 'word of the day' appears after an upgrade

Bug

App does not open after reinstallation

Bug

Videos not accessible without internet

Bug
✨

Requested Features

9 requests

Add a "more information" button for context

Feature

Include a favorites/saved list feature

Feature

Support for newer iOS versions

Feature

Make videos available offline

Feature

Add grammar information and etiquette tips

Feature

Include signs for letters and smaller words

Feature

Add a section for simple sayings/greetings

Feature

Filter sensitive 'word of the day' content

Feature

Larger screen size compatibility for newer iPhones

Feature

FAQ

What is the NZSL Dictionary app?

The NZSL Dictionary app is a reference tool that provides diagrams and videos for over 4,000 English words and phrases in New Zealand Sign Language. It also features a "Word of the Day" to help users learn new vocabulary.

Is the NZSL Dictionary app free to use?

Yes, the NZSL Dictionary app is completely free to download and use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements.

Can I use the NZSL Dictionary app offline?

You can view all the diagrams within the NZSL Dictionary app offline. However, an active internet connection is required to watch the video demonstrations.

What devices does the NZSL Dictionary app support?

The NZSL Dictionary app is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS operating systems.

How often is the NZSL Dictionary app updated?

The latest version of the NZSL Dictionary app is 2.9.0, which was last updated on November 3, 2026. The app was initially released on May 1, 2012.

What is the age rating for the NZSL Dictionary app?

The NZSL Dictionary app has an age rating of 9+. This indicates it is suitable for users aged 9 and above.

What do users like most about the NZSL Dictionary app?

Users frequently praise the app for being great for learning NZSL, helpful for teaching others, and easy to use. They also appreciate its quick search functionality and the inclusion of Māori translations.

What are some common criticisms of the NZSL Dictionary app?

Some users have reported that the app is not optimized for newer devices, can have a clunky experience, and that videos may take a long time to load or not load at all. There are also mentions of app crashes and inconsistent search results.