When it comes to college, you’re going to find out that you’re going to need a dictionary in order to get you by on some of your papers.  What you’ll also find out is that you’re not going to have access to the Internet at all times.  When it comes to my own personal preference, I like having actual books laying around so that I can reference a word, etc.  I just find it easier and for less than $20, you can find a dictionary that fits your backpack and needs.

The Merriam-Webster English Dictionary:  Ah, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the one that everyone in this world knows about and for less than $10, you can have this pocket sized dictionary for your next paper.  With over 75,000 words and definitions, it’s no wonder this dictionary has been the #1 book for years.

The American Heritage College Dictionary:  The American Heritage Dictionary is very similar to the Webster dictionary but it’s more focused on college students rather than the general public.  This particular dictionary comes with more than just words and descriptions, it comes with colorful illustrations and drawings as well to help you better understand what each word means.

Webster’s New World College Dictionary:  This Webster dictionary is very similar to the one I mentioned at the top but this one comes with a CD rom and it’s going to cost you a little bit more.  Here, you’re going to find more than just a definition.  You’re going to find drawings, graphs, and even narrations when you place the CD rom into your computer.

Compact Oxford English Dictionary for University and College Students:  This compact dictionary created by Oxford is small enough to fit into your pocket but yet it packed with a lot of useful information.  For less than $20, you’ll get over 140,000 words, phrases and definitions that relate to your college studies.  This dictionary will help you with your reports and any other paper you may have in class.

You’ll find that when you’re looking for a dictionary is that they are only made by a few publishers.  These publishers include Webster, Oxford and others.  You may think all dictionaries are the same but they really aren’t.  Browse some of the selections above and see what fits your style.