Defining words

To define a word in a book:

  1. Tap and hold the word.
  2. Tap Define.

You can scroll down to see more information about the word (if available) or to look it up on Wikipedia, Google, Google Translate, or in your system dictionary.

Defining words while offline or in languages other than English

To define words in Libby when you're not connected to the internet, or to define words in languages other than English, you need to install a dictionary on your device.

Libby works with dozens of dictionary apps, like Livio offline dictionaries (in various languages), ColorDict, and Dictionary.com.

Once you install the dictionary app, make sure you open it and let it index or manually download definitions for offline use.

After the dictionary's installed, you're ready to look up words in Libby.

Note: If the dictionary you installed doesn't open automatically when you tap Define, scroll down and tap System Dictionary.

You can add a dictionary on an iOS device using these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Dictionary.
  2. Tap the language dictionary you'd like to install.

Installed dictionaries have a checkmark next to them.

After the dictionary's installed, you're ready to look up words in Libby.

Note: If the dictionary you installed doesn't open automatically when you tap Define, scroll down and tap System Dictionary.