Merriam-Webster (http://www.m-w.com)
common sense media says
Too many links, ads detract from online dictionary's value.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Merriam-Webster is a useful site that includes a complete dictionary and fairly informative encyclopedia. All definitions are purely educational and straightforward. The "English-Spanish" section is helpful for translating words and understanding verb conjugation, and the "Medical" section translates medical jargon into layman's terms. Also, users will enjoy the age-appropriate, word-focused games that improve both vocabulary and memory. Ads (both sponsored and banner) do appear on every page, and links of the sponsored advertisers lure people off the site -- occasionally to iffy material (the "marijuana" entry provided a site on how to grow pot, for example). There's also a store to buy hard copies of Merriam-Webster products.
Educational value:
Definitions, synonyms, word games, and quizzes teach kids vocabulary and grammar.
Violence:
Definitions of violent words are included (assassinate, kill, murder, etc.). These definitions are direct and to the point, but not the purpose of the site.
Sex:
Definitions for words like "vagina" and "penis" are proper and not glorified.
Language:
Curse words such as "s--t" and "f--k" are included, but definitions remain tactful.
Consumerism:
There's a link to the Merriam-Webster store, and the site is chock-full of ads and pop-ups. Advertisers include Disney, AT&T, eBay, Subway, and much more.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Definitions of drugs are pure definitions, but they do include street names. Sponsored links for "marijuana" did bring up outside links to equipment on growing it.
Privacy & safety:
Some privacy concerns. The site will ask for personal information for subscriptions and may share that information with third parties for purposes specifically associated with related services, but does not take personal information from kids under age 13. The site uses a significant number of cookies and beacons to track the online behavior of visitors to the site. Also, the site includes a plethora of links that are not guaranteed to be safe.
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Most useful reviews by all members
12Bows
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Good Website!
This website is GREAT! My little sister used it, and it helped. But she kind of needed better examples from the definitions. It's helpful and it's just like the actual dictionary!
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kid, 12 years old
no bad words just some adult words like "h**l","son of a b****" and "p*ssed".
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no bad words just some adult words like "h**l","son of a b****" and "p*ssed".
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kid, 11 years old
no bad words just some adult words like "h**l","son of a b****" and "p*ssed".
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puppy-lover
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
the awesome website
i just used it and its awesome
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kid, 12 years old
no bad words just some adult words like "h**l","son of a b****" and "p*ssed".
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no bad words just some adult words like "h**l","son of a b****" and "p*ssed".
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kid, 11 years old
no bad words just some adult words like "h**l","son of a b****" and "p*ssed".
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