How is a dictionary entry actually built? This sheet walks fourth graders through the parts. You'll figure out that the first guide word matches the first entry, decide whether "flat" lands between "flame" and "flip," and learn what the abbreviation "adj." signals. Other items cover alphabetical order between guide words, numbered entries like "bear²," and where the plural form sits next to the part-of-speech label.
A matching section pairs features like syllable dots, example sentences, etymology brackets, and definition numbers with what each one actually tells you, turning a busy entry into something you can read at a glance.
Style:
Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The first guide word on a dictionary page matches the first entry on that page.
2. If the guide words are "flame" and "flip," the word "flat" would appear on that page.
3. Dictionary entries for the same root word are grouped under one entry word.
4. The abbreviation "adj." in a dictionary tells you the word is an adjective .
5. Some entries include an example that shows how to use the word in a sentence.
6. A word's origin tells you whether it came from Latin, Greek, or another language.
7. Words that appear between the two guide words are listed in alphabetical order.
8. A small number after a word, like "bear²," shows it is the second entry for that spelling.
9. The plural form of a noun is often listed right after the part of speech label.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each dictionary feature to what it tells you.
Syllable dots
→ How to divide the word when writing
Which meaning is being described
Example sentence
→ How the word is used in context
How to divide the word when writing
Etymology bracket
→ What language the word came from
How the word is used in context
Definition number
→ Which meaning is being described
What language the word came from
Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills
★ Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1) The first guide word on a dictionary page matches the first entry on that page.
2) If the guide words are "flame" and "flip," the word "flat" would appear on that page.
3) Dictionary entries for the same root word are grouped under one entry word.
4) The abbreviation "adj." in a dictionary tells you the word is an adjective .
5) Some entries include an example that shows how to use the word in a sentence.
6) A word's origin tells you whether it came from Latin, Greek, or another language.
7) Words that appear between the two guide words are listed in alphabetical order.
8) A small number after a word, like "bear²," shows it is the second entry for that spelling.
9) The plural form of a noun is often listed right after the part of speech label.
★ Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1) Match each dictionary feature to what it tells you.
Syllable dots
→ How to divide the word when writing
Which meaning is being described
Example sentence
→ How the word is used in context
How to divide the word when writing
Etymology bracket
→ What language the word came from
How the word is used in context
Definition number
→ Which meaning is being described
What language the word came from
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
10 Questions
10-15 minutes
Auto-graded
Retry anytime
🏆
Questions Correct
0
Correct
0
Incorrect
0
Skipped
0:00
Time
0%
Score
Review Your Answers
See what you got right, missed, or skipped.