Online Dictionaries and Glossaries for Translators
Translators use dictionaries and glossaries to ensure accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and quality in their work. Specialised glossaries are often essential, as they provide precise translations for technical terms in fields like medicine, law, and IT. However, even in common usage, words can often have multiple meanings depending on context (and some words and phrases don’t have any direct equivalent in other languages) — using a good dictionary can help translators select the right one. Note: Idioms, slang, and culturally specific expressions always need careful handling.
Furthermore, it’s important for both clarity, and brand identity, to maintain the same terminology across documents, especially in professional and technical translations. (This is why, at Quicksilver, we create a client-specific glossary and maintain a client-specific translation memory for each of our regular clients).
Lastly, using the right terminology protects both translator, and client, from potentially costly mistakes. In fact, many agencies require translators to follow specific glossaries for quality assurance.
Here are some of the best online dictionaries and glossaries categorised by general, specialised, and multilingual:
General Bilingual & Multilingual Dictionaries
- WordReference – Excellent for common language pairs, with user forum discussions on nuances.
- Linguee – Provides real-world examples of translations from various sources.
- Reverso Context – Shows context-based translations with examples from real texts.
- Bab.la – Includes translations, synonyms, and conjugations.
- Glosbe – Offers translation suggestions with examples in various languages.
Terminology Databases & Specialised Glossaries
- IATE (InterActive Terminology for Europe) – A must for translators working with EU-related content.
- TERMIUM Plus – Canada’s official terminology database, ideal for French-English translations.
- UNTERM – The United Nations terminology database, useful for diplomatic and legal texts.
- FAO Term Portal – Agricultural and food-related terminology.
- WHO Terminology – Medical and health-related terms from the World Health Organization.
Technical & Industry-Specific Dictionaries
- Microsoft Language Portal – Official terminology for IT and software localization.
- SAP Terminology – Useful for SAP-related translations.
- MediLexicon – Medical dictionary with a focus on pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
- Eurotermbank – Focuses on technical terms in various European languages.
- Financial Times Lexicon – Specialised in financial and business terminology.
Legal & Patent Dictionaries
- WIPO Pearl – A database for patent and intellectual property terminology.
- Black’s Law Dictionary (via Westlaw) – The most authoritative legal dictionary (subscription required).
- Linguee Legal – Provides examples of legal translations from real contracts and laws.
Slang & Informal Language Resources
- Urban Dictionary – Great for understanding slang and informal language.
- The Free Dictionary’s Idioms Section – Useful for idiomatic expressions and proverbs.
