# Webster’s College Dictionary — New World® English reference

> Authoritative college dictionary with extensive entries, synonyms, and usage guidance. (iPhone/iPad app by MobiSystems, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/websters-college-dictionary/id451119145 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [MobiSystems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/289579214)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $14.99
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 252 App Store ratings · 88 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 113 MB
- Languages: American English, Catalan
- Released: 2011-07-21
- Data updated: 2026-09-12
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/websters-college-dictionary/id451119145/reviews.md

## What is Webster’s College Dictionary?

Webster's New World® College Dictionary is the most useful and authoritative dictionary you can own. More than 4,700 entries and senses have been added, including terms from the areas of arts, sports, science, medicine, food, business, law, politics, computers and the Internet. Thousands of revisions have been made to existing senses, to reflect current usage.

About 12,000 Americanisms have been included to extensively cover the words, phrases, and senses first used in the United States. This dictionary features advanced word definitions, complimented with abundant synonym notes, full-page tables and charts, drawings and authoritative guidance on usage and style points, all well-organized in a clear and accessible style.

* Clear, readable definitions that provide instant understanding
* More than 160,000 entries with abundant synonym notes, full-page tables and charts, and authoritative guidance on usage and style points
* Over 800 illustrations, biographical photographs and maps
* 12,000 specially identified Americanisms
* 4,700 terms from the areas of arts and sports, science and medicine, computers and the Internet, food, business, politics and law
* Thousands of well-revised examples of current word usage

Webster's New World ® College Dictionary, 5th edition is selected by leading newspapers as their official dictionary of choice. It is a favorite of newsrooms and copy editors nationwide and it is the official dictionary of The Associated Press Stylebook. 

LATEST APP UPDАТES: 
 • Learn in style with any of the four colorful new themes – The colorful layout will turn your learning experience into an enjoyable routine. Customize your dictionary and benefit from the cheerful mood your favorite color brings you.
 • Dive right into the intricacies of the language - With new and convenient Home page, sleeker and more intuitive visual layout, as well as innovations in the speed of searches, you can get to the desired entry faster than ever.
 
SEARCH TOOLS - quickly find words with the clear, functional, and easy-to-use interface.
Designed to provide the most comprehensive search experience, the dictionary combines several search tools to match or predict what  are you looking for, including:
 • Search autocomplete helps you find words quickly by displaying predictions as you type.
 • Keyword lookup allows you to search within compound words and phrases.
 • Camera search looks up words in the camera viewfinder and displays results in seconds.
 • Voice search helps you find an entry when you don’t know how a word is spelled.

Looking for a specific word but don't know how it's spelled? We've got you covered with our automatic ‘Fuzzy filter’ to correct word spelling, as well as ‘Wild card’ ('*' or '?') to replace a letter or entire parts of a word.

LEARNING TOOLS - engaging features that help you further enhance your vocabulary. Designed to give you freedom to structure your studies, the dictionary combines several learning tools to help you be more organized, including:
 • ‘Favorites’ that allow you to create custom folders with lists of words.
 • Recent list which helps you to easily review looked-up words.
 • Swipe-to-delete functionality in the Recent and Favorites menus. 
 • Word-of-the-day option to teach you a new word every day.

Feel excited by the new word or definition you just learned? Share your discovery with friends on social media, email or any other option available on your device.

## Key features

- Over 160,000 entries
- Clear definitions and synonym notes
- Extensive Americanisms
- Advanced search tools (autocomplete, keyword, camera, voice)
- Spelling correction and wildcard search
- Customizable themes
- Usage and style guidance

## Chart rankings

- #193 in Top Paid · Reference (US App Store)

## What do users think of Webster’s College Dictionary?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Fast loading and performance
- 📚 Comprehensive and authoritative dictionary content
- 👍 Easy to navigate and use
- 📖 Excellent etymologies and word origins
- ✨ High-quality, trusted Webster's New World brand
- 🎓 Helpful for learning and vocabulary expansion
- 💼 Reliable reference tool for professional writing
- 🔄 Regular updates to stay current

**Cons**

- 🚨 Aggressive pop-up requests for 5-star reviews
- 🐛 Search function fails with non-root word forms
- 🔍 Missing words and incomplete coverage
- 🎨 Clunky and unintuitive user interface
- 📱 Poor app design compared to physical dictionary
- 💰 Limited features for $15 price point
- 🔤 Alternate spellings not found by search
- ⚠️ Menu items stack on top of each other

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Tapping non-root word forms in definitions returns no results
- Word games unavailable in split view with error message
- Search suggestions for alternate spellings don't work
- Menu items stack improperly in search view
- Display too light, causing eye strain
- App interface not intuitive after recent redesign

**Most requested features**

- Audio pronunciation of words
- Example sentences for word usage
- Search by derived terms, not just root words
- Better phonetic search functionality
- Word etymology information (some users noted lack of this)
- Ability to copy definitions
- Swipe navigation between alphabetical entries
- Multiple consecutive entries visible on single screen
- Back button navigation to search screen
- Dark mode or improved display contrast
- Improved spelling suggestion for misspelled words
- Disable Word of the Day notifications

## Recent user reviews (10 of 88)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/websters-college-dictionary/id451119145/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Good offline dictionary.

*2026-08-12*

stars Good dictionary. Good to use off line. Nags to rate on start up (all the time) or would be five stars. Ask after five uses then again after a couple dozen. I waited a year to review because of the nagging.

### 1/5 — Annoying Pop-ups

*2025-11-16, version 10.0.12*

The software is not bad and performs OK, but One Star for continually soliciting a five-star review with in-your-face pop-ups. The dictionary itself is one I have been using for many years and is an excellent alternative to Mirriam-Webster.

### 4/5 — Fast!

*2025-07-05, version 10.0.12*

Loads super fast, a big plus. I do occasionally run into a word not included so must turn to Google…

### 2/5 — Should have more

*2024-09-08, version 10.0.12*

Need sound pronunciation and example of use in a sentence. The Words of The Day are often odd, impractical words 🤷‍♀️

### 5/5 — BEST PROPER ENGLISH!

*2024-08-16, version 10.0.12*

Hello I’m Joey in North East Massachusetts 
This is the best version for definitions of English that has made me as intelligent as I can aspire to be now and in the future. Worth the money and knowledge . Also helps you pronounce and spell.
Yay!!

### 5/5 — Really Good Dictionary, Just Shy of Exceptional

*2023-09-04, version 10.0.12*

I am a word nerd, and consult no fewer than 3 (American Heritage, Webster’s, and Oxford’s) dictionaries and/or thesauruses searching for the perfect word in almost anything/everything I write—be it entries in my journal, letters/emails I write to friends/classmates/clients/opposing counsel, homework assignments in my MBA classes, or legal filings in cases for clients of my law firm. Webster’s (both it’s college dictionary and thesaurus) is my one of 2 backup dictionaries I consult when either: i cannot find a word in my favorite “go-to” dictionaries (AHD5 and Roget’s Thesaurus), or I want to compare/double check or better understand different uses or meaning for words and definitions I lookup in my American Heritage dictionary(ies). Many times Webster’s definitions and examples add something to my understanding of words i lookup in American Heritage. Consistently, however, American Heritage provides more comprehensive definitions and examples for words and usage than those Webster’s provides. Also, it my experience that almost every word in Webster’s is also in American Heritage, but that isn’t a two-way street—American Heritage includes a significant number of words and definitions that Webster’s does not. Finally, Webster’s user interface is nowhere near as flexible, helpful, or attractive as American Heritage. Whereas Webster’s has a cartoonish look and feel that does not remotely resemble the physical version the same dictionary, American Heritage’s app not only very closely approximates the look and feel of the corresponding physical dictionary, the American Heritage app actually offers many enhancements to the physical version that make the app just as comprehensive but easier and more preferable to use—it is actually a viable substitute for the hard copy. In sum, I like Webster’s dictionary app and appreciate the convenience of having an electronic version of its corresponding hard copy. But, absent significant revisions and improvement to the app, it will always be a backup dictionary for American Heritage’s more comprehensive, more functional, and easier to use AHD5 app. And, if I had to choose just one dictionary to use on ny electronic devices, it definitely would not be Webster’s.

### 4/5 — Best dictionary, so-so app

*2023-08-21, version 10.0.12*

Love this dictionary. The app needs a little work. Main gripe is that, unless it is the root form of the word, when you tap on a word within a definition, the app won’t be able to find it. For example if you tap the word “magistrates” it won’t be able to find the word, but if you tap the word “magistrate” it WILL be able to find it.

### 5/5 — Great!

*2023-05-27, version 10.0.12*

Really good dictionary! Get it!

### 5/5 — The Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

*2023-05-25, version 10.0.12*

Great find for phone now.

### 1/5 — Annoying Pop-ups

*2023-02-18, version 10.0.12*

The software is not bad and performs OK, but One Star for continually soliciting a five-star review with in-your-face pop-ups. The dictionary itself is one I have been using for many years and is an excellent alternative to Mirriam-Webster.

## Frequently asked questions about Webster’s College Dictionary

### What does Webster’s New World College Dictionary app do?

This app provides a comprehensive English dictionary with over 160,000 entries, clear definitions, synonym notes, and authoritative guidance on usage and style. It also includes extensive Americanisms and terms from various fields, along with advanced search and learning tools to enhance vocabulary.

### What are the key features of this dictionary app?

Key features include over 160,000 entries with clear definitions, abundant synonym notes, full-page tables and charts, and usage guidance. It also offers advanced search tools like autocomplete, keyword lookup, camera search, and voice search, plus spelling correction and wildcard options. Users can also enjoy customizable themes.

### How much does Webster’s New World College Dictionary app cost?

Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. There is no mention of free versions, subscriptions, or in-app purchases for core functionality.

### What kind of search functionalities are available?

The app offers several advanced search tools for quick word finding. These include search autocomplete that displays predictions as you type, keyword lookup to search within compound words and phrases, camera search to look up words using your device's camera, and voice search for when spelling is uncertain. It also features a 'Fuzzy filter' for spelling correction and 'Wild card' options.

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

This app is ideal for students, professionals, writers, journalists, copy editors, and anyone who needs a reliable and authoritative English language reference. Its comprehensive nature and advanced features make it suitable for in-depth vocabulary building and accurate language use.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 10.0.12 — 2018-07-13

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

* Newest database (2018 edition).
* Four new colorful themes.
* Delete and sort entries with Favorites/Recent list.
* Dictionary & Thesaurus displayed in Word-of-the-Day.

### 10.0.11 — 2018-07-09

• Four new colorful themes. 
• Delete and sort entries with Favorites/Recent list.
• General bug fixes and improvements.

### 10.0.3 — 2017-10-18

• iOS 11 support!
• Complete visual redesign 
• New Home view for quick access to the most frequently used functions
• Now Swipe to delete entries from the Favorites and Recent menus
• Navigate the Word of the Day entries by swiping 
• Recently viewed entries will appear at the top of the search field  
• Bug fixes

### 8.5.4 — 2017-01-23

NEW! Invite friends - Share the app with your friends and let them know about this great reference tool! 
NEW! Shortcuts for iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S+ and iPhone7 users only:
* invite and share with friends;
* review 'Word of the day' entries;
* access the camera look-up feature; 
* search within the extensive database of the dictionary.

### 8.2.9 — 2016-10-03

* Optimized for iOS 10!
* Updated database with new entries
* Bug fixes and performance improvements

## Apps similar to Webster’s College Dictionary

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [American Heritage Dictionary 5](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/american-heritage-dictionary-5/id475661641) | 4.5 (420) | Free | Reference |
| [Roget's II: New Thesaurus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rogets-ii-new-thesaurus/id286861782) | 4.7 (363) | $4.99 | Reference |
| [Oxford Deluxe (InApp)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oxford-deluxe-inapp/id600474524) | 4.4 (310) | Free | Reference |
| [Merriam-Webster Dictionary+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merriam-webster-dictionary-plus/id478126577) | 4.8 (21,943) | $9.99 | Reference |
| [Merriam-Webster Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merriam-webster-dictionary/id399452287) | 4.8 (323,824) | Free | Reference |
| [Dictionary.com: English Words](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionarycom-english-words/id308750436) | 4.8 (327,783) | Free | Reference |

## More apps by MobiSystems, Inc.

- [Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/advanced-dictionary-and-thesaurus/id291070079)
- [Collins Complete & Unabridged](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collins-complete-and-unabridged/id292428480)
- [Collins German Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collins-german-dictionary/id312654820)
- [Collins French Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collins-french-dictionary/id312656152)
- [Collins Spanish Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collins-spanish-dictionary/id312661283)
- [Collins Polish Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/collins-polish-dictionary/id320743577)

All apps by MobiSystems, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/289579214

## Related topics

[academic word list in use](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/academic-word-list-in-use) · [journalism terms dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/journalism-terms-dictionary)

---

*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 2026-09-12.*
