Best Etymological Dictionary Apps

184+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
12 free apps
Updated May 2026

Out of 184+ etymological dictionary apps on iOS, 12 are free and the rest sit in the paid tier. This page sorts them so you can compare both sides before you commit.

Top Picks for Etymological Dictionary

Etymonline English Dictionary#1

Etymonline English Dictionary by 崇伟 柳

Dictionary to Build Vocabulary
Editor's Choice
📚 Education
4.9😊(11K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 1
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Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 3
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 4
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 5
Etymonline English Dictionary screenshot 6

A comprehensive English dictionary app offering word origins and vocabulary building tools. Features include instant search with spelling suggestions, offline dictionary access, related words, and premium ad-free and offline functionality. Explore word roots and enhance your vocabulary effortlessly.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent app
  • 👍 Comprehensive and well-researched
  • 👍 Useful for understanding word origins
  • 👍 Informative and insightful

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 App version has incomplete entries
  • 🔒 Privacy concerns with data collection
  • 💰 Subscription fees too high
Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus#2

Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus by MobiSystems, Inc.

Thesaurus & Offline Vocabulary
Strong Contender
🔍 Reference
4.6😐(28K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#79in Reference
Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus screenshot 1
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Access one of the highest authorities in language reference with the power of 15 major Oxford dictionaries at your fingertips. Explore advanced search and learning tools for a comprehensive linguistic experience.

What We Love

  • 👍 Reliable and simple to use
  • 👍 Comprehensive and best for all English, especially rare and aged language
  • 👍 Very useful for learning new words
  • 👍 Excellent reference app

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Glitchy, way too many ads
  • 🔒 Annoying popup ads makes it unusable
  • 🔒 Ads stuck in, despite payment
Dictionary.com: English Words#3

Dictionary.com: English Words by Curiosity Media, Inc.

Dictionary, Thesaurus, Vocab
Worth Considering
🔍 Reference
4.7😐(19K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Dictionary.com: English Words screenshot 1
Dictionary.com: English Words screenshot 2
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Access the ultimate English language learning app packed with quizzes, games, and over 2 million definitions and synonyms. Enhance your vocabulary with word puzzles and daily challenges, enjoy dark mode, offline access, voice search, and more. Improve your English skills effortlessly!

What We Love

  • 🚀 Robust dictionary and thesaurus
  • 🤓 Helpful resources like blogs and articles
  • 💡 Useful word games and puzzles
  • 👍 Easy to use and navigate

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent search results and missing definitions
  • 💸 Aggressive ads even after paid upgrades
  • 🤯 Frequent crashes and performance issues

More Etymological Dictionary apps to explore

4
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
by Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Free

Access a premier iOS app for English language reference, education, and vocabulary building, with new word games and quizzes for learning. Features universal access, offline capabilities, voice search, daily word learning, thesaurus, example sentences, and pronunciations by real speakers. Enjoy features like favorite word syncing and Apple Watch integration. Subscribe to remove ads and access extra resources. Manage your subscription easily. Terms of Use: [Link to Terms of Use].

🔍 Reference
(320K)
5
Merriam-Webster Dictionary+
Merriam-Webster Dictionary+
Merriam-Webster Dictionary+
Premium Ad-free Dictionary
$9.99

Access a premium ad-free dictionary app for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch with offline capabilities, new word games, and features like integrated thesaurus, vocabulary-building quizzes, voice search, and word of the day. Perfect for English language reference and vocabulary building. Find out more by checking the Application License Agreement and App Privacy Policy.

🔍 Reference
(22K)
6
German Etymology Dictionary
German Etymology Dictionary
German Etymology Dictionary
etymological dictionary
$2.99

This comprehensive etymological dictionary provides detailed information on over 40,000 German words, including etymology, pronunciation, and meaning, making it an essential tool for English speakers learning German. With features like customizable word lists, prefix and suffix lists, and daily learning capabilities, users can efficiently expand their vocabulary and understanding of the German language.

🔍 Reference
(3)
7
Advanced English Dictionary.
Advanced English Dictionary.
Advanced English Dictionary.
English Dictionary & Thesaurus
$2.99

Explore a comprehensive English dictionary app with advanced features for definitions, synonyms, and examples. Enhance your vocabulary and language skills with this user-friendly tool. Start expanding your English knowledge today!

🔍 Reference
(238)
8
WordWeb Dictionary
WordWeb Dictionary
WordWeb Dictionary
Offline ad-free dictionary
Free

Discover a comprehensive offline dictionary and thesaurus with fast search, spelling suggestions, definitions, synonyms, and more. Enjoy ad-free browsing, usage examples, and unique search features without the need for an internet connection. Explore WordWeb Dictionary for a seamless word lookup experience.

🔍 Reference
(85)
9
Etymology Dictionary Offline
Etymology Dictionary Offline
Etymology Dictionary Offline
offline Etymology Dictionary
Free

This offline etymology dictionary app provides access to tens of thousands of words and their origins, allowing users to explore the history and evolution of language. With features like search, bookmarking, and quizzing, users can learn and engage with etymology offline, and even contribute to the dictionary by adding new terms.

📚 Education
(21)
10
Dictionary Offline - Dict Box
Dictionary Offline - Dict Box
Dictionary Offline - Dict Box
Dictionary for All Languages
Free

Discover a comprehensive offline dictionary app for all languages with Dict Box. Access definitions, translations, and synonyms on-the-go. Download now for quick and easy language reference.

🔍 Reference
(11K)
11
Dictionary.
Dictionary.
Dictionary.
by TheFreeDictionary.com
Free

Discover a comprehensive Dictionary and Thesaurus app with a Word of the Day feature, offline access, and resources from top sources. Access millions of definitions, synonyms, translations, and more for a versatile language tool.

🔍 Reference
(14K)
12
FreeSaurus - The Free Thesaurus!
FreeSaurus - The Free Thesaurus!
FreeSaurus - The Free Thesaurus!
by Weeswares Pte Ltd
Free

Find synonyms and related words easily with a simple and focused thesaurus application. Get quick word meanings and expand your vocabulary effortlessly.

🔍 Reference
(120)
13
Latin Etymology Dictionary
Latin Etymology Dictionary
Latin Etymology Dictionary
Latin words, names, roots
$2.99
🔍 Reference
(0)
14
Kurdish Dictionary - Dict Box
Kurdish Dictionary - Dict Box
Kurdish Dictionary - Dict Box
English Kurdish Translation
Free

A highly efficient English to Kurdish dictionary app with a vast vocabulary. Ideal for users seeking quick translations without any hassle. Download now for instant access to comprehensive language support.

🔍 Reference
(14K)
15
Dictionary Linguee
Dictionary Linguee
Dictionary Linguee
German, French, Spanish, more
Free

Discover a revolutionary dictionary app offering fast and reliable translations in multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and German. Access over one billion translations, editorial dictionaries, offline mode, example sentences, and pronunciation guides for seamless language learning. Try it now for quick and accurate translations on the go.

🔍 Reference
(11K)
16
Advanced English Dictionary HD
Advanced English Dictionary HD
Advanced English Dictionary HD
English Dictionary & Thesaurus
$3.99

Discover the ultimate English Dictionary app with comprehensive definitions, synonyms, and audio pronunciations. Enhance your vocabulary and language skills effortlessly. Start exploring today!

🔍 Reference
(59)
17
Modern English Etymology
Modern English Etymology
Modern English Etymology
etymological dictionary
$3.99
🔍 Reference
(0)
18
Italian Etymology Dictionary
Italian Etymology Dictionary
Italian Etymology Dictionary
etymology of Italian words
$1.99
🔍 Reference
(0)
19
Thai Etymology Dictionary
Thai Etymology Dictionary
Thai Etymology Dictionary
the origin of Thai words
$1.99
🔍 Reference
(0)
20
Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus
Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus
Advanced Dictionary&Thesaurus
English dictionary with Audio
Free

An innovative language tool designed to enhance vocabulary skills through interactive word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences. Expand your linguistic knowledge effortlessly!

🔍 Reference
(4.3K)