A free dictionary that's actually free
No account, no sign-up, no limit on lookups. SnapDic gives you meanings, examples, levels and idioms for free — and keeps what you read private.
Mac app version 1.0.1 · macOS 14 or later · Apple Silicon and Intel. Also free on the Chrome Web Store.
Everything you need to read in English
The free version is the full dictionary — not a trial and not a cut-down edition.
Highlight a phrase
break the ice
Idiom / phrase · social
To ease tension at the start of a meeting or social situation so people feel comfortable.
e.g. He told a joke to break the ice.
via SnapDic · see also: warm up, get the ball rolling
Hover a word
ubiquitous
SAT · IELTS word · adjective · ≈C1
seeming to be everywhere at the same time
e.g. Smartphones are now ubiquitous.
via SnapDic exam vocabulary
Word forms explained
notarized
past tense of notarize · ≈C2
authenticate as a notary
e.g. We had to have the signature notarized.
via Open English WordNet
How SnapDic stays free
| Free | SnapDic Plus (optional) | |
|---|---|---|
| Hover and highlight lookups | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| 127,000+ built-in words, idioms, exam, legal and tech terms | ✓ | ✓ |
| Levels, examples, word forms | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lookups list in the panel (this session) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sponsored banner in the panel | Small banner | No ads |
| Saved word history by day, searchable | — | ✓ |
SnapDic is paid for by a small sponsored banner in the SnapDic panel — never inside the meaning balloon, never in the page you're reading. If you'd rather not see it, the optional SnapDic Plus upgrade (US$19.99 once, for life) removes it and saves every word you look up so you can review them by day.
Free shouldn't mean you are the product
- No account. Install it and start reading. There's nothing to sign up for.
- Your reading stays yours. SnapDic doesn't keep your browsing history. Most words are answered from data built into the app.
- One word at a time. When a word isn't built in, only that single word is sent to an online dictionary to look it up.
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Made for people who read in English every day
Students
Exam vocabulary for SAT and IELTS, with levels to plan what to learn next.
Professionals
Legal, business and tech terms explained without leaving the document.
Readers
News, novels and blogs — keep the story going instead of switching tabs.
Teachers
Recommend one free tool that explains words simply and shows the level.
Start reading with SnapDic — free
Download for Mac now. Also free for Chrome.
Frequently asked questions
Is SnapDic really free?
Yes. All lookups are free and unlimited, with no account. The free version shows a small sponsored banner in the SnapDic panel.
What does SnapDic Plus add?
SnapDic Plus is an optional one-time upgrade of US$19.99 for life. It removes the banner and saves every word you look up by day, so you can search and review them later by date or A–Z.
Do I need to create an account?
No. SnapDic works as soon as it's installed. A licence key is only needed if you buy SnapDic Plus.
Does the free version work offline?
Yes. The built-in dictionary of 127,000+ words, the idiom library and the exam, legal and tech glossaries all work without internet.
Are there limits on lookups?
No. Hover and highlight as many words as you like.