Reading web pages, PDFs, and papers
Look up unfamiliar words while staying with the material in front of you.
Cross-platform vocabulary lookup and learning tool
Mac handles system-level capture, lookup, history, and review. iPhone and iPad sync lookup history and due review items so you can continue on mobile.
macOS 15.4+
Main features
Look up words inside the current app, use AI for extra explanation when needed, and keep searched words in history and review.
Who it is for
For people who use web pages, PDFs, papers, screenshots, subtitles, and writing as language-learning material. Look up frequently on Mac, then continue history and review on iPhone or iPad.
How Dictionary fits the current workflow
System-wide capture
Capture and query directly across web pages, PDFs, screenshots, subtitles, and other apps.
Stays in the current workflow
Use the selection menu for selectable text and screenshot/OCR for image text, keeping lookup in the current context.
AI-assisted expansion
Use AI to explain meaning, context, and usage when you need deeper detail.
Forgetting-curve review
Turn today's lookups into a story, then review lookup history and stories with a forgetting-curve schedule.
Fewer window switches
Designed for frequent lookup actions with fewer switches between apps.
From lookup to memory
Mac capture
AI expansion
History
Review
Mac capture: Hover, selection, shortcut, Services, double-copy, or OCR can start lookup.
AI expansion: Beyond direct translation, explain usage, cultural background, etymology, and similar expressions.
History: Mac, iPhone, and iPad all show lookup history so review can continue later.
Review: Review lookup history, words, and stories with a forgetting-curve schedule.
Suitable scenarios
For turning unknown words from real reading, writing, and research into reviewable material.
Screenshots, subtitles, and image text
Screenshots, subtitles, and image text can enter lookup through OCR.
Turning lookup into language learning
Today's lookups go into history and can become stories and review items.
Look up on Mac, continue review on mobile
Look up on Mac, continue review on mobile
The iPhone and iPad app provides Query, Stories, Memory, and Sync tabs for lookup history, daily stories, due reviews, and sync status.
Real material becomes vocabulary
Lookups from web pages, PDFs, papers, screenshots, and subtitles are saved as history, review words, and story material.
Turn today's words into a story
Group today's lookups into readable context for review.
Syncs to iPhone and iPad
Lookup history and review state sync to iPhone and iPad, where mobile focuses on history and review.
Usage and API Key
Dictionary core usage is free. For AI capabilities, use your own OpenAI API key.
Free to use Bring your own OpenAI API key
Core usage is free. AI usage is billed by OpenAI based on your actual API usage.
Set up API keyCurrent plan notes
- Core product usage is free
- AI capabilities require your own OpenAI API key
- Charges are billed by OpenAI based on your actual API usage
FAQ
How do I translate selected text on Mac?
Select text and run lookup, translation, or rewrite directly from Dictionary without switching to another app.
Can I translate text from a screenshot?
Yes. Dictionary supports OCR capture for screenshots, subtitles, images, and other unselectable text.
When is hover translation useful?
Hover translation is useful during reading when you need meaning checks with minimal context switching.
Will it slow down my Mac in the background?
Dictionary is designed for background availability. Resource usage still depends on device and workload.
Do I need an OpenAI API key?
Core usage can start without AI. AI-powered capabilities require your own OpenAI API key.
What macOS permissions are required?
Required permissions depend on the action you use, such as hover, shortcuts, or OCR capture.
Resources
Docs, permissions, and support links are collected here.