Parents' Guide to

Merriam-Webster

By Karen Wirsing, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Too many links, ads detract from online dictionary's value.

Merriam-Webster Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 18+

Biased

This dictionary while once a tool for learning, has become a tool for biased politically motivated twisting of our language.
age 10+

False

Can give false information and is not a fully credible source.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Merriam-Webster is a wonderful and reliable source for information. The Spelling Bee Hive -- a section about the National Spelling Bee -- the age-appropriate games, the vocabulary quizzes, and the Word of the Day will be of particular interest to kids. These functions add to the charm of learning online.

Unfortunately, the multitude of ads that appear on every page can cause the site to run slowly, and ubiquitous links easily lead users off the site where privacy and safety are not guaranteed. Print versions are available for purchase and are an option for avoiding unwanted online interaction. Membership for the online unabridged version is $29.95 a year; collegiate is $14.95.

Website Details

  • Genre: Educational
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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