GoldenDict is a free, open-source dictionary lookup program for finding words across dictionary collections, websites, and other applications. It supports Babylon BGL, StarDict, dictd, ABBYY Lingvo DSL, and Lingvo audio archives. Web lookups can use Wikipedia, Wiktionary, other MediaWiki sites, and arbitrary websites configured through URL templates. Hunspell morphology provides word stemming and spelling suggestions, while pronunciation lookup can use Forvo or indexed audio directories. A scan popup can display a translation for a word selected in another application, and global hotkeys can open GoldenDict or translate clipboard text. Dictionary articles display through WebKit with formatting, colors, images, and links. The original program is licensed under GNU GPLv3+ and supports offline access. The Windows installer does not include local dictionaries, so users download those separately. GoldenDict-ng adds Anki integration, a dark theme, Xapian full-text indexing, and support for dictionaries larger than 4 GB. GoldenDict-ng builds are available for Windows and macOS, with packages for some Linux and Unix distributions; it requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or macOS 13 or later.
Who it is for
GoldenDict suits people who want to use multiple local dictionary formats, web references, and lookups from other applications. GoldenDict-ng may fit users who need its newer features and meet its listed operating-system requirements.
What is good
- Supports five named local dictionary formats.
- Uses configurable URL templates for web lookups.
- Hunspell provides stemming and spelling suggestions.
- Scan popup can translate selected words in other apps.
- GoldenDict-ng adds Anki integration and full-text indexing.
What to know first
- Windows installer does not include local dictionaries.
- GoldenDict-ng requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or macOS 13 or later.
- GoldenDict-ng builds are listed for Windows and macOS, plus some Linux and Unix distributions.
Verdict
GoldenDict brings local dictionaries, web references, and in-app word lookup into one free program. Users should plan to obtain dictionary content separately, and check the distinct platform requirements before choosing GoldenDict-ng.
GoldenDict plans and pricing
All plansCompared on online dictionaries
- Offline access
- Yes
