English Dictionary OpenSource
An open, queryable English dictionary dataset with 176,023 definitions in CSV, SQLite3, and MySQL formats.
Open source alternative to:
English Dictionary OpenSource is a free, openly licensed English dictionary dataset published by CloudBytes Academy. It packs 176,023 word entries (word, word type, and definition) into formats ready for direct use in applications: a single CSV file, a SQLite3 database, and a MySQL dump that imports straight into MySQL or MariaDB.
The data derives from the Online Plain Text English Dictionary (OPTED), which in turn is based on the public domain 1913 edition of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary made available through Project Gutenberg. Because it is raw, structured data rather than a hosted SaaS, you can host it, fork it, embed it in an app, or query it locally with no rate limits, no API keys, and no per-request fees.
It is aimed at developers and researchers who need dictionary data: spellcheck tools, word games, NLP pipelines, language-learning apps, or any project where a commercial dictionary API from Merriam-Webster or Oxford would add cost and usage restrictions. Note that the dictionary reflects the 1913 edition, so modern vocabulary is not yet included; the project notes WordNet integration as a possible future release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What file formats does English Dictionary OpenSource ship in?
The dataset is offered in three ready-to-use formats: a single CSV file with all words, a SQLite3 database file you can query directly, and a MySQL dump that imports into MySQL or MariaDB. Each format uses the same three-column schema: word, wordtype (noun, verb, etc.), and definition.
How do I query the dictionary from code?
The USAGE.md file in the repository contains sample code for Python, covering how to load and look up words from the CSV, SQLite3, and MySQL versions. Because the schema is a simple three-column table, the same pattern works from any language that can open those formats.
Which words and definitions are included?
It contains 176,023 definitions covering English as recorded in the public domain 1913 edition of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, distributed via Project Gutenberg and OPTED. Modern words added to English after 1913 are not included; the project lists adding Princeton's WordNet data as a possible future release.
Is the data free for commercial use?
The repository itself is MIT licensed. The underlying text comes from the public domain portion of the 1913 Webster's Unabridged Dictionary distributed by Project Gutenberg, and the project asks you to review Project Gutenberg's licensing notes with the source e-text if you plan commercial use.
Is there an official hosted API?
No. The project publishes downloadable files rather than a hosted service. You run the SQLite database or MySQL dump on your own machine or import the CSV into any datastore, so lookups run locally with no API keys, quota limits, or per-request charges.
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Updated 9/24/2026, 4:00:17 AM
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English Dictionary OpenSource vs ODict