The Chambers Dictionary (13th Edition) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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The Chambers Dictionary (13th Edition)

The Chambers Dictionary (13th Edition)

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The Chambers Dictionary has more definitions and sells more copies than any other single-volume hardback English dictionary

The Chambers Dictionary is the most useful and diverting single-colume word-hoard available.” Telegraph

First published in 1872, The Chambers Dictionary contains more words, phrases and meanings than any other single-volume English dictionary. Yet it remains lighter and easier to hold, and now has an even more durable jacket so that it will be a beautiful hardback reference for many years to come.

This 13th edition, new for 2014, retains the much-loved features of The Chambers Dictionary, including the unique quirky definitions for certain words. There are over 1,000 new words and meanings, and there is also a brand new two-colour Word Lover’s Ramble at the back of the Dictionary, showing how English words and definitions have changed over the history of The Chambers Dictionary.

The Chambers Dictionary is now the UK’s number 1 selling hardback dictionary. It is regarded as the dictionary of choice for crossword setters and solvers, and is popular with players of wordgames such as Scrabble(R) and Words With Friends(R). It is famous for its Scottish heritage, its thorough coverage of obscure words and its unique personality that comes across in a definition style that is both useful and witty.

“Chambers stands out like a baroque mansion in a city of faceless concrete.” Melvyn Bragg



2 comments on “The Chambers Dictionary (13th Edition)

  1. Thanks for that info but I have to admit that I rely on my 1972 edition of Chambers “Twentieth Century Dictionary” and most of the time that suffices! http://bigdave44.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-monalisa/icons/icon_rolleyes.gif

  2. I have the 1972, 1983 and 2003 editions. I also have the iTunes version for iPhone/iPad which costs £4.99 and has just been updated free-of-charge to incorporate the 13th edition changes. It’s not quite the quality lexicon experience of browsing the hard copy, but it’s still awfully good and invaluable to have on the hoof. I’ve yet to find a definition or word in the Telegraph that isn’t defined in the iTunes version – even “oyster” and “native” :-)

    https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/chambers-dictionary/id314269183?mt=8

    I recently found a 1901 edition on a bookshelf in the public area of a hotel not far from BD. I suspect it may have been a reprint, but I’m still astonished it hasn’t been liberated. Circumstances prevented me from following up.

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