# Merriam-Webster Dictionary API

Category: [Language and text](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/language/)  
Page: https://free-web-services.com/web-services/language/merriam-webster-dictionary-api.html  
Documentation: https://dictionaryapi.com/

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary API gives entries from Merriam-Webster references such as the Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus: definitions, pronunciations with audio, parts of speech, etymology, synonyms and antonyms. Use it for a lookup box or a word-of-the-day feature. Request a word with your key and get the entries as JSON. Free with a free API key for non-commercial use, up to 1,000 queries a day for two reference APIs; commercial use needs Merriam-Webster's approval.

- API key: Needed, free
- Pricing: Free with a free API key for non-commercial use, up to 1,000 queries a day for two reference APIs; commercial use needs Merriam-Webster's approval.
- Commercial use: Not on the free plan
- From the browser: Yes (CORS)
- Formats: JSON
- Interface: HTTP-GET
- Provider: dictionaryapi.com
- Last checked: Working on November 1st, 2026

Example request:

```sh
curl 'https://www.dictionaryapi.com/api/v3/references/collegiate/json/hello?key=YOUR_API_KEY'
```

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your own key. The JavaScript works in a web page as well as in Node.js 18 or newer.