Oxford Dictionaries API updates 2026
In May 2026, our team rolled out major updates to the English and Spanish datasets on the Oxford Dictionaries API and introduced a brand new addition: the Oxford American Children’s Dictionary.
Updated English dictionary datasets
We’ve added over 500 fresh headwords, phrases, and senses to our English dictionary dataset, each headword complete with IPA transcriptions and audio pronunciations.
Our editorial team reviewed, updated, or improved more than 5,000 entries. We gave extra attention to definitions and examples touching on sensitive or evolving topics, making sure our language evolves with the world around us.
Among the changes: we removed the term “Third World” from all definitions and examples, updated language around neurodivergence, and refreshed abbreviations like LGBTQ, LGBTQI, and 2SLGBTQ. We also modernized the spelling of over 30 headwords to better reflect today’s usage.
All this new and updated content is ready for you in the Entries and Words endpoints.
Oxford Thesaurus of English
Discover new synonyms in 350 entries and enjoy more than 400 entries that have been refreshed and enhanced. Sensitivity information was updated for relevant entries.
Dive into the latest content through the API Thesaurus endpoint.
Updated Spanish Dictionary Dataset
The Spanish dataset now includes 229 brand new entries, 34 fresh expressions, and 54 additional senses for existing words. Each new headword also comes with IPA transcriptions for extra clarity.
These updates apply to the monolingual Spanish data, now live on the Entries and Words endpoints.
Oxford American Children’s Dictionary
The Oxford Dictionaries API now offers a new dictionary dataset, the Oxford American Children’s Dictionary. Available for both Growing and Enterprise plans.
This kid-friendly dictionary is perfect for educational and assessment apps that call for simple, curated vocabulary and age-appropriate content. You’ll find headwords, clear definitions, easy-to-read pronunciations, and playful example sentences, all carefully crafted for young learners. This dataset ensures guaranteed safety for educational use cases by intentionally excluding headwords and content that is not appropriate for young audiences.
Want to learn more about the Children’s Dictionary and what it can do? Head over to our Children’s Dictionary capability page for all the details.
Interested in bringing the Oxford American Children’s Dictionary to your app or platform? Reach out to us for more information.
