If there’s a handy spot to have references at your fingertips, it’s your iPhone or iPad. Physical books still hold a place in many people’s hearts but no one walks around with dictionaries, encyclopedias, and phone books nowadays.
So if you’re in the market for good references for school or work, you’ll like this list of the best free referenceapps for iPhoneand iPad.
Free reference apps for iOS
We’ve divided these free reference apps into categories. So jump to a certain one or browse the whole list.
Dictionaries and thesauruses
Find the meaning of a word, learn a new word each day, or see how to pronounce a word properly. Dictionaries are the handiest references out there. Plus, these apps work as thesauruses for getting synonyms on the go too!
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
If you only use one dictionary app, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is one of the most well-known and respected dictionaries you’ll find. And the app offers terrific extras you’ll love.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary app is a wonderful reference with useful features.
Dictionary.com: English Words
Another great dictionary app is Dictionary.com. Optimized for iPhone and Apple Watch, you may enjoy word definitions and synonyms with the integrated Thesaurus.com all in one.
Dictionary.com has many of the same features as Merriam-Webster Dictionary but with its own set of bonuses worth checking out too.
Slang dictionaries
With our ever-evolving world comes constantly-changing terms, idioms, and slang. If you want to keep up to enhance your own language skills or simply find out what a phrase means, grab one of these slang dictionaries.
Urban Dictionary
If you’ve visited the Urban Dictionary website in the past, then you’ll like the iOS app. Find out what those crazy kids are talking about from your iPhone or iPad.
With new terms and phrases popping up all the time, keep tabs on what they mean with Urban Dictionary.
Idioms and Slang Dictionary
With over 66,000 terms, the Idioms and Slang Dictionary app will keep you up to date on new terms and phrases.
Idioms and Slang dictionary from Farlex offers a clean and simple interface and no tucked away features that you need to pay for.
Encyclopedias
Get information on anything, any time with encyclopedias on your device. From a popular staple in physical references to a user-contributed source, these encyclopedia apps are awesome.
Encyclopædia Britannica
Find all you need to know about anything from A to Z on your iPhone and iPad. The Encyclopædia Britannica app is an ideal resource.
With plenty of content for free, check out Encyclopædia Britannica on your iPhone and iPad. If you find yourself using it a lot, you can take a look at the paid subscriptions for more.
With millions of articles to browse and search, Wikipedia is a useful reference for iOS. The app supports hundreds of languages and offers terrific features.
Wikipedia has been a popular online “free encyclopedia” for years and the app is just as easy to use and helpful as the site.
White and yellow pages
Even though phone books are things of the past for many, the apps that represent them are quite handy. White and yellow pages help you find anyone or any business and give you extras you’ll enjoy.
White & Yellow Pages
For both people and businesses, take a peek at the White & Yellow Pages app for iOS. You get much more than just addresses and phone numbers with this reference.
No matter who or what you need to find in your local area or beyond, the intuitive interface and features with White & Yellow Pages can help.
Whitepages People Search
If it’s a people search you want, then Whitepages is your app. Find who you seek with their name or phone number. And enjoy a few bonus features too!
Sure, you can use Google to find someone. But with an app built for exactly that, you can search faster and easier with Whitepages.
Wrapping it up
For the best references you can have on your iPhone or iPad, this list should have you covered. Find words, phrases, information, businesses, or people with a few taps.
Do you use one of these free reference apps already, plan to download one, or have a different app you’d like to recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
