# WordBook (Universal) — English Dictionary & Thesaurus > Comprehensive English dictionary and thesaurus with advanced search and learning features. (iPhone/iPad app by TranCreative Software.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordbook-universal/id364030280 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [TranCreative Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/289694927) - Category: Reference, Education - Price: $2.99 - Rating: 4.70/5 from 271 App Store ratings · 170 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 7.0 · 28 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2010-04-01 - Data updated: 2026-09-07 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordbook-universal/id364030280/reviews.md ## What is WordBook (Universal)? FEATURES that make WordBook stand out from other dictionary apps: - Professionally recorded pronunciation for every single entry - Word origin information (Etymologies) - Built-in spell checker with pop-up spelling suggestions - User's bookmark and note management - Unmatched sounds-like and wild card search and a powerful word puzzle solver ==================================== WordBook is a comprehensive, quick and intuitive dictionary and thesaurus of the English language. It's a great combination of comprehensive contents and fast intuitive interface. FEATURES: * 150,000 entries with more than 220,000 definitions, 70,000 usage samples * 23,000 root word origins (etymologies) * 120,000 pronunciation guides in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and other notations * Spoken pronunciations (for all entries) * Built-in thesaurus and word links connecting words semantically * Unmatched index, wildcard, anagram search capabilities * Bookmark (with user's notes) and history management * Words of the Day: you get to learn new words daily, shake the device for new random words * Browser-like definition content navigation, ability to tap on any word in the content to look up its definition * Extending up to 5 web dictionaries to supplement built-in contents * High resolution graphics for Retina display REVIEWS: * "Mobile dictionary and thesaurus at my fingertips. Lightning fast. The random words of the day are a terrific bonus" - Dane Cook, The Daily * “the best in the [inexpensive dictionary] category... This wealth of information is indispensable to the student, and even fun to use” - Jeff Phillips, Macworld * “One of 15 Best Apps for English Majors” - April Lentini, CollegeTimes.us * “None measure up to WordBook” Score: 10/10 - Michael Alexander, AppCraver.com * “WordBook leads the parade of free and low-cost dictionary options” - Ben Boychuk, MacWorld.com * “WordBook dictionary - the standard for reference apps” Rating: 5/5 - Steven Yaccino, appolicious.com NOTES: - WordBook does not required an internet connection except to view web dictionaries or to play online pronunciation voices. - WordBook includes entries of both American/British spellings. Definitions are written in American English. ## Key features - Professionally recorded pronunciations - Word origin information (Etymologies) - Built-in spell checker - Bookmark and note management - Advanced word search and puzzle solver - 150,000+ entries with 220,000+ definitions - Words of the Day ## What do users think of WordBook (Universal)? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 Comprehensive dictionary with detailed definitions - 🚀 Fast and efficient lookup - 💡 Helpful thesaurus and word origin features - 👍 Customizable web links for additional reference - 👍 Useful for crosswords and puzzles - 👍 Reliable and dependable app **Cons** - 🐛 Some words missing or inaccurate definitions - 🔇 Pronunciation issues or missing audio - 🚫 Lack of updates and new features - 🚫 Limited vocabulary compared to other dictionaries - 🚫 Censored words and features **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashes and freezes, especially on newer devices - Compatibility issues with recent iOS versions - Anagram solver not working as expected **Most requested features** - Dark mode option - More comprehensive vocabulary - Improved pronunciation and audio support - Regular updates and new features - Better optimization for iPad and split-screen use ## Recent user reviews (10 of 170) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordbook-universal/id364030280/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Why WordBook is worth the money *2025-03-11, version 5.2* The annotations following so many of the definitions is a feature which gives this dictionary a special quality. ### 1/5 — Definitions are not dictionary accurate *2025-02-16, version 5.2* Find a different app even if it costs more. I wanted to be able to get definitions offline, however the definitions in this app tend to be inaccurate with the wrong connotation which results in me having to search the web to get a correct definition. ### 5/5 — Love this! *2024-10-03* I’ve used the paid version of this app for 9 years and have never had any problems— I use it all the time. The thesaurus is super helpful. I don’t think there’s ever been a word I haven’t been able to find (but it’s been 9 years so I could be wrong). ### 3/5 — words censored *2024-06-03, version 5.2* some words are censored and the voice will not read them out loud. a dictionary as an education resource should not be censored. ### 3/5 — George *2024-04-09, version 5.2* About time you updated your vocabulary Half the words I look up ain’t there,so please improve. ### 5/5 — The best *2024-03-22, version 5.2* This is the best word tool - I use it all the time ### 4/5 — Solid dictionary app just one thing. *2024-02-28, version 5.2* Great definitions and I really enjoy that you can recursively click any word and hop into it’s own word definition. I do wish the root origins of a word were more elaborate though. ### 5/5 — Update coming? *2023-09-29, version 5.2* Seems a shame this excellent app hasn’t been updated in many years. ### 1/5 — Some Words Not Listed *2023-08-19* Used the free version for a couple years, then found that some common words are not listed, so purchased the ‘newer’ version and Dang! There are still missing words. Look up the word ‘TART’. I should have listed the others but this is the last word and the last time. Paying for something that is no better than the previous free version. ### 4/5 — Was Excellent *2023-06-21, version 5.2* Was my best dictionary and spelling checker. Now it occasionally freezes up, and the volume control is glitchy. Also needs word update. ## Frequently asked questions about WordBook (Universal) ### What does WordBook do? WordBook is a comprehensive English dictionary and thesaurus that provides definitions, word origins, and pronunciation guides. It also features a built-in spell checker, bookmarking, and advanced search functions for word puzzles. ### What are the key features of WordBook? Key features include professionally recorded pronunciations for every entry, etymologies, a spell checker with suggestions, user bookmark and note management, and powerful search capabilities including sounds-like and wildcard searches. It also offers over 150,000 entries with extensive definitions and usage samples. ### How much does WordBook cost? Based on the provided information, WordBook is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or subscription models, indicating a one-time purchase. ### Does WordBook require an internet connection? WordBook does not require an internet connection for its core dictionary and thesaurus functions. An internet connection is only needed to access supplementary web dictionaries or to play online pronunciation voices. ### Who would benefit from using WordBook? WordBook is ideal for students, writers, English language learners, and anyone who frequently uses the English language and needs a reliable reference tool. Its advanced features make it particularly useful for those interested in word origins, etymologies, and complex word searches. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 5.2 — 2017-11-13 This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included. - Supports iOS 11 and iPhone X ### 5.1 — 2015-05-21 Fixed bug with anagram search not rendering results. ### 5.0 — 2015-05-19 Added Apple Watch App ### 4.6 — 2014-10-08 Enhanced for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus ### 4.5.1 — 2013-10-15 Improved stability ## Apps similar to WordBook (Universal) | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Merriam-Webster Dictionary+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merriam-webster-dictionary-plus/id478126577) | 4.8 (21,943) | $9.99 | Reference | | [The World HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-world-hd/id364904503) | 4.4 (250) | $2.99 | Reference | | [English Dictionary – Offline](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/english-dictionary-offline/id1436127650) | 4.7 (103) | Free | Reference | | [Dictionary and Thesaurus Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dictionary-and-thesaurus-pro/id492085918) | 4.9 (2,560) | $9.99 | Reference | | [WordWeb Dictionary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordweb-dictionary/id309627313) | 4.6 (268) | Free | Reference | | [Roget's II: New Thesaurus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rogets-ii-new-thesaurus/id286861782) | 4.7 (360) | $4.99 | Reference | ## More apps by TranCreative Software - [Converter+ (Units, Currencies)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/converter-plus-units-currencies/id370146222) - [Converter Plus paid](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/converter-plus-paid/id371354978) - [Blocks World](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blocks-world/id593706027) - [Speller - Spell Checker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/speller-spell-checker/id1312707436) All apps by TranCreative Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/289694927 ## Related topics [wordbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/wordbook) --- *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 2026-09-07.*