It seems the plug has been pulled onGoogle Dictionary. If you visit the website now, there is a simple ‘Google Dictionary is no longer available message’.
From the four years leading up to late 2009, Google’s search engine definitions feature linked to Answers.com. Google DictionaryreplacedAnswer.com in December 2009, and it’s thought that it was initiallybuiltusing Collins COBUILD dictionary, and eventuallychangedto the Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English.
We’re not too sure whether anyone will miss the service or not, as the Google search engine can be used as a dictionary in itself. Simply type the word ‘definition’ next to the word you’re looking to define, and the definition is presented in the search results, and you can then click through to various sources, such as Wikipedia, Dictionary.com, Answers.com and Merriam-Webster.
A Google Product Manager explained the closure on a Google SupportForum:
“Google Dictionary was recently integrated into Google Web Search. Simply search for “define X” where X is the word you want to look up. Clicking on the “more” link (or on the toolbelt “Dictionary” link on the left) will give you practically the same experience that was available on dictionary.google.com.
We’re working hard to make the dictionary experience even better on google.com so it will be easier for our users to get the dictionary experience without the need to go to a separate property.”
Story byPaul Sawers
Paul Sawers was a reporter with The Next Web in various roles from May 2011 to November 2014.
Follow Paul on Twitter: @psawers or check h(show all)Paul Sawers was a reporter with The Next Web in various roles from May 2011 to November 2014.
Follow Paul on Twitter:@psawersor check him out onGoogle+.
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