Suppose you are reading a really great book and you come across a word that you don't know. Did you know that a dictionary can be used to find the meaning of a word?

The dictionary tells the meaning of each word it lists. The words are printed in heavy black letters and they are called entry words. The meaning, or definition, is printed in lighter print after the entry word. Here's what a sample dictionary entry looks like:

paper clip    a piece of bent wire used to hold sheets of paper together   
          The paper clip kept my homework papers together.

pen     1. a long, thin tool used for writing or drawing with ink   2. A 
            small, closed yard for farm animals

pencil    a long piece of wood with lead used for writing or drawing
    

Think about these things when trying to find the meaning of a word in the dictionary:

The dictionary may only tell the meaning of the word. If you look at the entry word pencil, it has only one meaning. That is the definition you see.

The dictionary might give you a sample sentence. This sentence is usually written in italic print. This sentence helps to make the meaning of the word clearer by  using it in context. The entry word paper clip has a sample sentence.

Sometimes the dictionary gives a picture clue. In the sample dictionary page above, the entry words paper clip and pencil have a picture.

If a word has more than one meaning then each meaning will be numbered.

           First, you should read all of the meanings of the entry word.

           Next, think of how the word is used in the sentence where 
                  you found it.

          Last, choose the meaning that best fits this sentence. I'm
                sure you know  this is called "using context to get meaning."

Let's try this out!

Suppose you were reading Charlotte's Web and the sentence said that Wilbur was kept in a pen. If you find the entry word pen in the sample dictionary entry above, the only definition that would make sense with this sentence is # 2. A small, closed yard for farm animals

I bet you're ready to practice what you've learned.
Click on the books to practice.

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