Top 13 Offline Dictionary Apps [iOS/Android]

Dictionary apps are always convenient – whether you are accommodating to life in a new country, learning a new language for kicks, or simply wanting to check the meaning of a few words you didn’t understand in class, at work, or at a gathering with friends, it’s always useful to have a dictionary in hand.

From time to time, whether in the classroom or in a meeting, certain words are thrown at us whose meaning we don’t know. And to find out the meaning, we quickly google the word and get answers. But the Internet is not always available to us when we are stuck in such situations. That’s when it’s handy to have an offline dictionary on your Android or iOS smartphone. You can quickly launch the app, search for the word and understand the meaning. There are many offline dictionary apps that you can download either from the Google Play Store or the App Store for Android or iOS.

But the task only begins when you search for the best apps. A dictionary app is also a must for travelers, and for them we have a list of the best flight price predictor apps to help them book cheap flights. Plus, you might not just be struggling to understand English words. Maybe you’re learning a new language and have the same problem with other languages like Spanish, German, Hindi, etc. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best offline dictionary apps for Android and iOS. Let’s get started right away.

Which one is better for language learning—a translator or a dictionary?

If you have embarked on your journey of learning a new language, then you may be confused about if you should make use of a translator or a dictionary. Well, you may find a translator app sufficient to understand the language, but that is where a dictionary kicks in. With a translator app, you will be able to translate a text from a foreign language into a source language. This is good when you don’t know anything about the language. Translation simply reads the same ideas in a different language from the original.

However, a translator does not provide you with the meaning of the words. With a dictionary, you can look up the meaning of the word, and understand its synonyms, adjectives, etc. This helps in understanding all the other options that you can use for that particular word while sentence formation. In simple words, if understanding what is written is your goal, then you can use a translator app. On the other hand, if learning a new language, then a dictionary helps, as it can give you knowledge about similar words, new words, synonyms, antonyms, and examples, which will help you fit the word in the context of your sentence.

Best Free Offline Dictionary Apps – English

One obvious app which you can use anywhere in the world, irrespective of the language, is the Google Translate app. Of course, it’s one of the best offline translator apps, but it can also be used as an offline dictionary app as well. We will talk about it further down the article. For now, let’s take a look at the top offline dictionary apps.

Dictionary – Merriam-Webster

Merriam-Webster Dictionary is one of the best offline dictionary apps that you can have on your Android or iOS device. It gives you the meaning of whatever word you search for and also points you towards how you can use it in your sentence, including adjectives, synonyms, antonyms, and related words. One nifty feature is that when you tap on any word in the definitions and sentences, you will be redirected to the word’s page.

Opening the app gives you a simple interface, where you will see the word of the day, and you also get 3 types of word games to play, i.e., How strong is your vocabulary, True or False, and Name that thing. You can even save your favorite words and go back to them to cross-check, and there is also the option to look at the recent words that you have searched.

You will see a banner ad at the bottom of the homepage when you are connected to the internet, but that won’t interfere with your usage. When you are connected to the internet, you can also hear the actual pronunciation of the word by tapping the speaker icon next to it. You can also search for the word in this offline dictionary by using your voice.

Download: Android | iOS

Dictionary By TheFreeDictionary.com

The dictionary has one of the highest ratings among the offline dictionary apps on the Play Store and App Store. The Dictionary by TheFreeDictionary.com is one of the best offline definition apps that is free and gives you the meaning of every word that you want to look up to. It brings words and definitions from the best sources, such as Webster’s Dictionary, Roget’s Thesaurus, The American Heritage Dictionary, and more than 100 dictionaries.

When you download it, you get access to the English Offline Dictionary, the English Offline Thesaurus with synonyms, antonyms, and related words, the Medical Dictionary, and more. Launching the app treats you to Word of the Day, Idiom of the Day, Article of the Day, Quote of the Day, This Day in History, Today’s Holiday, and much more.

Switching to offline mode requires you to download some content at one time. You can even select dictionaries from other languages to use in offline mode as well. When you search for the word, you get the option to hear its pronunciation, its thesaurus, idioms, translations, and more. You can save your favorite words and go back to them later to add them into your vocabulary.

Download: Android | iOS

English Dictionary – Offline

Another popular one among the best offline dictionary apps is the English Dictionary app by Livio. It is great for offline use, and it gives you the pronunciation of the word without needing to connect to the internet, unlike other apps. For a specific word, you get the meaning, usage, and translation of the word in major languages such as French, German, Russian, etc.

The app’s interface is simple and functions offline without requiring additional downloads, but packs advanced features. It bases the meaning of words on English Wiktionary. Opening the app shows you the word of the day, the history of words you have searched, bookmarked words, help, and a Random word button, which does exactly what it intends.

When you search for a word, you can swipe left or right to get other words before or after that word in the dictionary. There is a dedicated ‘Note’ button at the bottom that lets you create notes about words. You can also share any interesting words that you come across with your friends and family members.

Download: Android

Dictionary – WordWeb

The Dictionary by WordWeb app is a nice little app that is one of the best offline dictionary apps that you have on your phone. The app comes with a no-nonsense UI. When you launch the app, it will take a few seconds to optimize the database, and bam! You can start with your word search. It has a database of 285,000 words, phrases, and derived forms.

Since the app’s UI is minimal, you don’t get many fancy options to hear the pronunciation, etc. However, that is available with the pro version of the app, which is available to download separately. The app makes sure that you are typing the word correctly with its intelligent word entry suggestion. You also get features such as alphabetical listing, sounds-like words, and a filter option to search for words by noun, verb, adjective, and adverb.

You can also search for words with *, ?, @, #, as well. When you search for the word, you will also see different use cases of the word in multiple example sentences. Inside the settings menu, you get the option to change your region, change the theme of the app, and also choose whether to show synonyms, antonyms, etc., with the definition or not.

Download: Android | iOS

Offline English Dictionary by Vocapture

Sourcing over 600,000 definitions from English Wiktionary, the Offline English Dictionary by Vocapture is one of the best offline dictionary apps that you can use on your Android and iOS devices. This works entirely offline from the word go, which gives you instant access to words that you are finding difficult to understand.

One of the best features of this offline dictionary is that the audio pronunciation works even offline, having both human and computer voices. You also get access to 200,00 idioms, phrases, and expressions. The app offers spelling correction, ensuring that you are directed towards the correct word. For every word, there are clear and precise definitions rather than unnecessary information around the word, making it much easier to understand.

The app offers a handy note button that you can use to write your thoughts about the word for easy remembrance. There is a My Vocab section as well, where you can find all of your searches. Overall, this is a good offline dictionary app you can have in your arsenal.

Download: Android

Offline English Dictionary by Rudy Ayitinya

There is a hidden gem of an offline dictionary app on the Google Play Store called Offline English Dictionary by Rudy Ayitinya. This dictionary app is offline, and the UI offers simple colors, making it a no-nonsense dictionary app. It boasts a library of over 1 million definitions, making it a perfect tool for language learners, students, etc.

The app shows you the word of the day when you launch the app. Then there is the option of Random Word, which throws a random word at you with its meaning along with its plural. You also get the offline audio pronunciation and the option to add the word to your favorites so that you can always go back to it and memorize it.

You can also look at your search history and delete it from the Settings menu. The comprehensive database of definitions and pronunciations makes it a nice app, that is helpful to learn new words every day without needing to connect to the internet.

Download: Android

Erudite Dictionary Translator

Erudite Dictionary Translator is available in many languages, and as the name suggests, it acts as a 2-in-1 app, i.e., a dictionary and a translator. When you open the app, you need to select the native language and the language in which you would like the words to be translated. Once the content is downloaded, you are free to use it offline.

After launching the app and downloading the content, you will be treated to the word of the day, along with the bookmarked word. You can also use the offline audio pronunciation to listen to the word. You get synonyms of the word along with the antonyms. You can also see different examples of how you can use that particular word in a sentence to better understand the context.

The in-built translator app works great and comes in handy when you are traveling or the other person doesn’t speak your language. While using the app, you will come across a few ads that sometimes might irk you, but overall, the app serves its purpose of improving your grammar skills and vocabulary levels.

Download: Android | iOS

Best Offline Dictionary Apps – Hindi

English Hindi Dictionary

As you can imagine, with this app you can look up the meanings of English and Hindi words in both languages without needing an internet connection. The app can even read the words out loud and includes educational games such as crossword puzzles, scrabble and more. There’s even a user community where you can ask specific questions about words or phrases. The app is free, but only available for Android at the moment.

Download English Hindi Dictionary for Android

Hindi Dictionary+

The closest iOS counterpart to the above app for Hindi and English is a free app called “Hindi Dictionary+” The app has all the features you need like translation, offline access and even games to improve your vocabulary. There is also a phrasebook to help you speak common phrases. The app is free and can be downloaded via the link below.

Download Hindi Dictionary+ for iOS

Related Read: 6 Best AI Transcription Software

Best Offline Dictionary Apps – French

French Dictionary – Offline

This app was developed by the same developers behind “English Dictionary – Offline” and therefore offers exactly the same functions with one exception — the language. “French Dictionary – Offline” is,” as the name suggests, for people who are looking for an offline dictionary for French. It contains more than 250,000 French definitions and, like its English counterpart, works instantly offline. It’s free and you can download it via the link below.

Download French Dictionary – Offline for Android

French English Dictionary

This app is for people who are looking for both French and English dictionaries in one place to translate and learn. Not only does the app offer over 734,000 offline entries (over 492,000 of which are free), but also flashcards if you’re just starting out with either language. There is also a phrasebook that you can use to learn everyday phrases, e.g. for transportation or eating out. The app is free and available for iOS.

Download French English Dictionary for iOS

Best Offline Dictionary Apps – Spanish

Spanish English Dictionary

“Spanish English Dictionary” is a simple dictionary from English to Spanish or vice versa that also works offline. Developed by the same team that created the last app we reviewed, it also offers a phrasebook and flashcards if you’re still learning. However, it is only available for Android. You can download it for free via the link below.

Download Spanish English Offline Dict for Android

SpanishDict Translator

However, if you use iOS, download the app “SpanishDict Translator” It works in a similar way and has roughly the same functions, suitable for both amateurs and professionals. It’s free and you can download it via the link below.

Download SpanishDict Translator for iOS

FAQs on Best Offline Dictionary Apps

1. What is the best offline dictionary app for German?

Below is the list of some of the best offline dictionary apps for the German language:

• German dictionary – offline by Dictamp: Android
• German Dictionary Offline by Livio: Android
• German Dictionary – offline: iOS
• German Dictionary +:  iOS

2. What is the best French dictionary app which works offline as well?

French Dictionary – Offline is the most highly rated French to English dictionary on the Google Play Store. It has over 295000 French definitions, a large number of inflected forms, and conjugation of verbs. It works flawlessly offline and frequently updates the database whenever it finds the Internet. The other option is Dict.cc, which works for multiple languages. iOS users can look at Offline English French Dictionary (Dictionnaire).

3. Which is the best offline dictionary app?

Let’s assume you are a frequent traveler and like to explore a new country every other week. Well, it’s natural to wonder what’s the best offline dictionary app, irrespective of the language—one app to rule them all. Check out Dict Box – Universal Offline Dictionary, which has support for over 50 languages. Mind you, the size of the app can get quite huge if you download all the language databases. So tread carefully. The other option is Dictionary Linguee which is also available on iPhones and iPads.

4. Which are some of the best offline dictionary apps for Hindi?

Just like you have offline dictionary apps for English, there are similar apps for Hindi as well. We scouted Google Play Store and App Store and found the below apps to be fit for the best dictionary apps for Hindi:

• English Hindi Dictionary by HinKhoj: Android | iOS
• Hindi Dictionary (Offline) by BdRulez: Android
• Hindi Dictionary and Thesaurus by Dictamp: Android
• English Hindi Dictionary by Innnovative-Software: Android 

5. What is the best Spanish dictionary app that works offline?

Here is the list of some of the best offline dictionary apps for the Spanish language:

• Spanish Dictionary – Offline by Livio: Android
• Erudite Dictionary Translator: Android | iOS
• Spanish English Dictionary: Android

Note: The original article was first written by Alex Serban and was recently updated by Sagar Naresh.