# Terminology — Dictionary•Thesaurus•Research

> English language dictionary, thesaurus, and research tool with extensible resources. (iPhone/iPad app by Agile Tortoise.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminology/id687798859 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Agile Tortoise](https://appshunter.io/developer/331942785)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 1,080 App Store ratings · 142 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 18.0 · 94 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-10-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-23
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminology/id687798859/reviews.md

## What is Terminology?

Terminology is a browser for the English language – part dictionary, part thesaurus and part research tool. Terminology makes it easy to explore words and phrases, diving down to more and less specific terms - accessing web resources and other apps for more detail and sharing.

More than a dictionary, Terminology can be extended with custom resources to search the Internet and other reference apps – making it a great place to satisfy any of your curiosities. 

## DICTIONARY, THESAURUS & SEARCH ##

- Offline U.S. English dictionary and word reference with simple, straightforward definitions. Based on the latest version of the Open English WordNet
- Definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and deeper word relations such as more and less specific words, part, part of, members, member of, pertains to, and more
- Favorite and create lists of terms
- Word browsing history
- Add your notes to any term
- Audio pronunciations
- Wildcard (?,*) searching
- Spelling suggestions
- Fast, reliable iCloud (CloudKit) sync and backup of history, favorites, notes, and resources

## EXTENSIBLE RESOURCES ##

Resources provide quick links to look up and search your terms on websites and in other apps. Ready to use resources for popular reference sites like Wikipedia, ChatGPT, Google, IMDb, and more, or create your own with simple URL templates.

Get more creative with AI resources to drill down on pre-populated prompts.

## MORE FEATURES ##

- Share extension lets you access Terminology from a text selection in any app
- Control Center integration for quick search
- Spotlight and Handoff support
- Great support for Accessibility features like VoiceOver and Dynamic Text.
- Shortcuts support

## TERMINOLOGY PRO ##

Terminology is always free to use, but you can get more out of the app with a Terminology Pro:

* Custom resources
* Unlimited term lists
* Unlimited notes per term

Terminology Pro is a reasonable annual subscription, or a one-time lifetime unlock.

## SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS ##

* Payment will be charged to your Apple account at confirmation of purchase
* Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is disabled at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period
* Automatic renewals will be charged at the same price you were initially charged for the subscription
* Subscriptions can be managed or canceled by going to Account Settings on the App Store after purchase

Have questions? Email support@agiletortoise.com.

Terms: https://agiletortoise.com/terms
Privacy Policy: https://agiletortoise.com/privacy-policy

## Key features

- Offline U.S. English dictionary
- Synonyms, antonyms, and word relations
- Customizable resources for web and app searches
- Favorite and create term lists
- Audio pronunciations
- Wildcard and spelling suggestions
- iCloud sync and backup

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro - Annual | $4.99 | per year |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Terminology?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Often used, helpful for finding words
- 🔍 Precise and detailed definitions
- 🔗 Integrates well with other apps and services
- 🔍 Comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus
- 💻 Works great on both iOS and macOS
- 🔍 Provides related words and synonyms
- 🔍 Succinct and easy to understand definitions

**Cons**

- 💰 Subscription model requires paying to remove ads
- 🔄 Functionality reduced in recent update
- 🔍 Some words missing from the dictionary
- 🔍 Clunky interface and navigation in latest version
- 🔍 Customization options behind paywall
- 💰 Paying customers now have to pay again for updates

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Keyboard does not always appear when tapping search
- Crashes or freezes on some devices
- Difficulty adjusting volume for word pronunciations

**Most requested features**

- Add ability to review and manage favorite words
- Implement quiz or flashcard features for learning new words
- Improve keyboard integration and shortcuts
- Add more comprehensive dictionary coverage
- Provide option to revert to previous app version

## Recent user reviews (10 of 142)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminology/id687798859/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Pour travailler mon anglais

*2026-08-01*

Très utile pour moi qui apprends la langue. On est chez ´Argile Tortoise ´, les créateurs du fabuleux « Drafts » donc oui, on est entre bonnes mains !

### 5/5 — Great WordNet resource

*2026-03-13, version 8.0.1*

Terminology is based on the WordNet database, and it is the gem inside this app. I’m not aware that WordNet is available in any other app, or at least any mainstream one. WordNet is a word-finder, not too dissimilar to a thesaurus. It has unfortunately become more or less the province of professional linguists. Terminology brings it to the everyday writer, and its integration with the developer’s Drafts app is especially helpful. 

It also provides one-stop shopping to other resources. You can check out Websters, etymologies, etc. from other web-based dictionary resources. Some words, particularly “street” or “urban” words, can have differing meanings depending on what source you check. This app lets you check various sources, including AI-based ones.

### 5/5 — If you like words this is it

*2026-02-24, version 8.0*

Thee app for words. Great all in one tool for words. Dictionary, thesaurus, and more!!!

### 1/5 — Dev Can’t Be Trusted

*2026-02-14, version 8.0*

READ RECENT REVIEWS. I had the full version of the app, until the developer updated the app to a subscription model, forcing previous owners to pay for subscription services to make the app useful again. Who’s to say he won’t find ways to upcharge you for other services you already have.

### 5/5 — Still the Best

*2026-02-08, version 7.1.2*

Installed Terminology close to 20 years ago, and it’s the only dictionary / thesaurus app still on my phone and up to date. Used regularly. 

The mac app is excellent too (more of the “research” toll there).

### 2/5 — Used to be great

*2025-12-12, version 7.0.1*

Developer decided to destroy his integrity and screw over the people who bought the pro version of this app long ago. What a shame…

### 5/5 — Often

*2025-11-24, version 7.0.1*

I use this often to find the words my brain can’t hang onto anymore

### 1/5 — Scam

*2025-10-02, version 7.0.1*

I had bought the full version and now i have to pay for the full version again.

### 1/5 — Government spying app

*2025-09-27, version 7.0*

Ran by Feds don’t buy

### 5/5 — Great words!!

*2025-09-09, version 6.1*

Been using this one for years, always helpful, good tools like faves and history of search and all kinds of nice stuff. Related words, etc.

## Frequently asked questions about Terminology

### What does the Terminology app do?

Terminology acts as a browser for the English language, functioning as a dictionary, thesaurus, and research tool. It allows users to explore words and phrases, find definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and delve into deeper word relations. The app also supports custom resources for searching the internet and other reference applications.

### What are the key features of Terminology?

Key features include an offline U.S. English dictionary with simple definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and word relations. Users can favorite terms, create lists, view browsing history, add notes, access audio pronunciations, and utilize wildcard and spelling suggestions. It also offers iCloud sync for backup and sharing capabilities.

### How much does Terminology cost?

The app is free to use with basic functionality. For advanced features like custom resources, unlimited term lists, and unlimited notes per term, users can opt for 'Terminology Pro,' which is available as an annual subscription or a one-time lifetime unlock.

### What kind of resources can I add to Terminology?

You can add custom resources to quickly look up and search terms on websites and in other apps. Pre-built resources for popular sites like Wikipedia, ChatGPT, and Google are available, and you can create your own using simple URL templates. AI resources are also supported for deeper dives into pre-populated prompts.

### Who is Terminology for?

This app is designed for anyone who wants to explore the English language more deeply. This includes students, writers, researchers, and individuals with a general curiosity about words and their meanings. Its extensibility makes it a valuable tool for satisfying diverse research needs.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 8.0.2 — 2026-04-29

For full release notes, visit https://agiletortoise.com/terminology/changelog

### 8.0.1 — 2026-03-12

Update offline dictionary to 2025+ Open WordNet edition, more resources in library.

For full release notes, visit https://agiletortoise.com/terminology/changelog

### 8.0 — 2026-02-14

Update offline dictionary to 2025+ Open WordNet edition, more resources in library.

For full release notes, visit https://agiletortoise.com/terminology/changelog

### 7.1.2 — 2026-01-31

Fix for a few buttons not always working on iPhone.

For full release notes, visit https://agiletortoise.com/terminology/changelog

### 7.1.1 — 2026-01-08

Compatibility updates and fixes.

For full release notes, visit https://agiletortoise.com/terminology/changelog

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All apps by Agile Tortoise: https://appshunter.io/developer/331942785

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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 2026-08-23.*