# Dictionary definition

> Meanings and phonetics of an English word.

Source: https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/addon.dictionary.define/

Dictionary definition looks up an English word in the free [dictionaryapi.dev](https://dictionaryapi.dev/) service. It needs no key.

## What it does

The node is generated from the `dictionary` addon manifest. It requests `GET https://api.dictionaryapi.dev/api/v2/entries/en/<word>` and runs it like a [Web request](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/web.request/). `response` is a JSON list of entries; each has `word`, `phonetics` (text and, often, an audio URL), and `meanings` with a part of speech and `definitions`. A word the dictionary does not know answers HTTP 404 on `status` and `error`.

The word comes from the `word` port when cabled, otherwise from the node's `word` field. With `trigger` cabled each trigger asks; otherwise a new word asks; with no cable at all it asks once at start.

A Toy using this node requires the network and the `dictionary` addon, enabled in Settings → Addons. The service is free, without a key or service level; its definitions come from Wiktionary under CC BY-SA.

## When to use it

Use it for word games and text pieces: look up a word a player types, then speak, show or sonify its definition.

## Ports

<!-- ports:start -->

| Port       | Direction | Signal         | Lanes |
| ---------- | --------- | -------------- | ----- |
| `trigger`  | Input     | Data (trigger) | 1     |
| `word`     | Input     | Data (string)  | 1     |
| `response` | Output    | Data (json)    | 1     |
| `status`   | Output    | Data (integer) | 1     |
| `error`    | Output    | Data (string)  | 1     |
| `done`     | Output    | Data (trigger) | 1     |

<!-- ports:end -->

## Parameters

<!-- parameters:start -->

This node has no numeric parameters.

<!-- parameters:end -->

<!-- data:start -->

- `word`: text.

<!-- data:end -->

The only setting is the `word` text field (up to 100 characters), used while the `word` port has no cable.

## Tips

- The first definition is at `/0/meanings/0/definitions/0/definition`; pick it with [Convert](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/data.convert/).
- Keep lookups occasional; the service is run for free by its author.

## See also

[Convert](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/data.convert/), [Value](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/data.value/), [Console log](https://docs.tune.toys/nodes/log.console/), [Data cables](https://docs.tune.toys/concepts/data-cables/).