Skip to Main Content

APA Formatting Guide for Microsoft Word: Dictionary

This guide provides a step by step overview of how to set up documents for APA style in Microsoft Word. The guide also reviews the tools available in Microsoft Word and how they might be useful in a student's paper.

How to Use the Built-In Dictionary

Microsoft Word has a handy tool for any paper assignment--a built in dictionary. Here's how to access it:

To look up a word within a paper:

1. Select the word with your cursor. Right click on it.

2. Move the mouse pointer down to "Look Up." Select "Encarta Dictionary."

 

3. If not already signed in, a message will appear in the right side of the window asking you to sign in to your Microsoft account. 

 

4. After signing in, a search box will appear in the right pane for the Encarta Dictionary. 

To look up a word before using it a paper:

1. Navigate to the Review tab.

 

2. Click on "Define."

3. If not already signed in, a message will appear in the right side of the window asking you to sign in to your Microsoft account. 

 

4. After signing in, a search box will appear in the right pane for the Encarta Dictionary. 

© 2017 by Lindsay Blanken & Jess Cornn