Reference - Dictionaries

Dictionary. Com

I used the word "spring" as my search term in Dictionary.com and Miriam-Webster.  I chose it because it has so many meanings.  

As a media specialist, I am partial to traditional reference materials. Miriam-Webster has been around a long time. It is vetted.  There isn't much risk in choosing it.

On the other hand, I didn't know much about the background of Dictionary. com.  I did look it up and found it is based on the Random House Dictionary. That is a dictionary I have used and like.  

They both have an audio component. That's helpful in learning new words.  They both had background information on the word.  What was different, was that Dictionary.com has a cool "Learners" tab. It puts the word in context and explains how it is used.

I am surprised to say this, but I would recommend Dictionary.com, despite the fact that it has advertising.  I don't know if the ads can be blocked, but that would be nice. 

Miriam-Webster