American Heritage Dictionary
May 06, 2025
More About American Heritage Dictionary
Word meanings are made easier to understand with thousands of new quotations from classic and contemporary writers. Etymologies explaining word origins and development have been newly created or revised to reflect the very latest scholarship. Many words are traced back to their roots in prehistory through two unique appendixes showing word roots in ancient Indo-European and Semitic.
Now completed with the American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus (available in the full version), which offers an intelligent and sensible guide to synonym selection. It provides a wide range of synonyms, ranging from mainstream vocabulary to the colorful alternatives that make English such a rich and versatile language. Thousands of slang, informal, and regional words broaden the coverage even further. Each synonym list focuses on a clear definition that quickly orients the user to the relevant meaning.
ADVANCED LEARNING TOOLS
Not sure how to spell or pronounce a certain word or phrase? The dictionaries combine several search tools to match or suggest what you are looking for:
• Fuzzy search – find a word even if you don't know exactly how it is spelled
• Voice search – lookup a word without having to spell it
• Wild card search – use '*' or '?' to replace a letter or entire parts of a word
• Search autocomplete – displays predictions as you type
• Keyword lookup – search for compound words or phrases
• Camera search – look up words without having to type them
• Favourites list – create custom folders with lists of words
• Auto-correction option - correct the spelling of any word, as you type it
• Recent list – easily review already looked-up words
• Tap to translate entries in other apps
CUSTOMISABLE AND USER FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE
• Dark mode - choose fora more eye-friendly alternative
• Home page – an intuitive start for your journey into the English language
• Word sharing – share word definitions via the installed apps on your device
Get MORE by purchasing the full version of the American Heritage English Dictionary and Thesaurus:
• Unlock the complete features list
• Audio Pronunciation - never mispronunce another word
• Offline mode - look up words without an internet connection
• Ad-free - enjoy an ad-free learning experience with no interruptions and distraction
Latest Version
15.1.735
May 06, 2025
MobiSystems
Education
Android
93,797
Free
com.mobisystems.msdict.embedded.wireless.houghtonmifflinharcourt.americanheritagedictionaryfree
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User Reviews
Bob Henchal
1 year ago
As another reviewer has commented, the dictionary is the best, but the price of this app is excessive. I had it for years on my iPhone ($15.00), and now I am expected to shell out $20 for what is not even a new edition? The iOS version appears to be $15, still. Too bad...WordWeb will have to do!
pooya rafieian
1 year ago
I've been using this dictionary many years and previousley only for word vocal pronunciation and Ad free we needed to buy premium version of this dictionary but now they ask for buying premium version even for looking up a word and see the meaning of it. Of course I won't pay for such a thing. I rather to use other free dictionaries
Jeff Sanchez
3 months ago
Simple yet very powerful tool to build your vocabulary. Love the fact it has a thesaurus as well. Could use a few more bells and whistles but overall fantastic.
hd cakes
2 years ago
Paid $20 for the upgrade & it's a total waste of money. No antonyms in the Thesaurus or other forms of the word. For $20, there should be all sorts of bells & whistles. I think it only got rid of ads
Sean Kocur
1 year ago
I hate the "new" look and have lost the ability to swipe from definition to definition. Is there any way to go back to the classic look and functionality? This used to be my favorite dictionary app, and now it is my least favorite. I'm really disappointed...
Grant Zimmerman
7 months ago
Originally gave this 5 stars. Seems to be overdue for an update (trouble loading) and it's throwing ads at me that I need to watch first. I have the paid version, so I'm not pleased with this. The 4 stars will drop to three if the issue isn't resolved in another month or so.
A Google user
5 years ago
Have always loved this dictionary, even when smartphones were just a glimmer in Steve Jobs' eye. I love this dictionary, but they are a little pushy with the "rate us five stars" bit. And now, EVERY time I use the app, I get the "Upgrade to Premium!" splash screen. Getting annoying.
KFS
3 years ago
As always, since way back 20-60 years, this dictionary is what I carry w me to work, college, suggest to tutorees to add in book and app form as well as 'Strunk, Jr. & E.B. White grammar book = small & thin, $12.95 but listed by most teachers & stores. Grammer to texting meld. I also suggest a Thesaurus on both. It helps broaden your internal and external correct vocabulary. *Then it is your option but you have help if others are gradiing your compliance to variance from strict expectations.*
A Google user
5 years ago
The printed American Heritage English Dictionary has long been my tutoring most valuable tool. However, the audible on my cell is when better. Any word can also be heard for any one to hear the correct pronouncement. Origin also helps students that are learning other languages.
A Google user
5 years ago
Way overpriced, constant push notifications to buy "at a discount" of $10. I can buy the actual dictionary at a used book store for $4. The free version doesn't let you use most of the features but the full version is overpriced.
GiGi Beauchamp
3 years ago
Could not read text of definitions bc text was TOO SMALL and couldn't find a way to adjust size in settings! Searched in HELP section; found no suggestions of assistance! Finally chose a random word, and in definition started tapping icons. Eventually tapped icon of an "A" in a box and a sliding adjustment scale appeared. Once the text size iwas set, it was used for further chosen words until I tapped the boxed A again and selected a new size. GAVE ALL THIS INFO FOR OTHER USERS!!
Julie
4 months ago
I have always preferred the American Heritage dictionary, going clear back to when I was in high school. And now with the online version, you can hear the correct pronunciation. American English can be so complex as we developed from British English, but then had a lot of other influences along the way. I'm in America. I want to understand American English.
Keith Roberts
1 week ago
I open app to look up a definition, it said go premium. I can go online for free and get pictures, sound, meanings, and where you can find it. $19.99 you will not get from me! I have the old fashioned book form of the American Heritage Dictionary, why on earth would I repurchase the dictionary. What a ripoff. The app only allows you to use 5 definitions a day. If you pay for this app you are just giving money away.
Bader Alhasan
4 years ago
AHD app adequately fits my needs because it has huge number of entries that are defined with words that fits the curiousity of intermediate to advanced English readers/learners. Second, you can easily increase the size of the words with your two fingers, which is an important feature for readers with vision difficulties. I love the AHD and I use it almost daily. Thank you.
Igor Steel
1 year ago
Unexpectedly and lamentably a mediocre app. I've used the AHD since its first edition, which I still use despite its duct-taped covers, and it's a wonderful dictionary, but this application is quite cludgy. While most other dictionary applications, and Android's native dictionary let you look up words in other applications by highlighting them, American Heritage Dictionary's system forces you to go through a series of steps, largely defeating the purpose of a quick lookup. Google findsore words
Marvin L Weinberg
3 years ago
I love the American Heritage Dictionary! I have the $60 edition and the hardcover portable one. Those are NOT digital! Actually, I have a subscription to "The Failing" New York Times and I do NOT use the digital version! On the go, I carry the portable AHD with me everyday! I write poetry and it is extremely useful for my purposes in writing poetry! I just wish there was no additional cost of $19.99 for an enhanced version? I cannot afford it. ☹️. Best American dictionary BAR-NONE!
Loy Moser
9 months ago
I used the print version of the American Heritage Dictionary in college and liked it. The definitions were (and are) well worded, clear, and concise. I also love the ability to see the word origins and the deeper understanding that can be given when studying. I paid for the full version of the app and can use it offline, and the premium features I find well worth the price.
Michael Laird
6 months ago
Great paper dictionary, terrible ad-plagued app. This used to be my favorite dictionary app despite some non-intrusive ads. Now after I updated, I'm forced to watch ads that play loud music and speech even when my phone is muted! I no longer can use the app unless I'm fine with obnoxious sounds preceding my definition lookup. I'm only giving two stars instead of zero because the definitions and usage notes are still the best once you slog through the ads to get to them.
A Google user
5 years ago
While I don't mind ads, they pop-up too frequently in MobiSystems products like this one. Prompts to upgrade to premium are just as intrusive. (I'll never upgrade because I hate MobiSystems). Definitions are slow to load making me wonder if that is intentional to compel users to upgrade. (Webster's loading seems faster). I am alarmed that replies from MobiSystem pertaining to negative reviews seem canned and therefore disingenuous. Audio pronunciation requires upgrade. No concern for customers.
A Google user
5 years ago
Since 1975, I've bought this most useful dictionary, several times, and in several of it's editions. My favorite Dictionary and the Word Roots are so valuable. 🔴 HOWEVER, I paid for the $19.99 version (50% off Sale @ $9.99) and only have access to the Free Version! That's a Rip-off because I used it on this phone for several months and it was okay.
