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What's the difference between the two? Is dictionary mostly applied to written or printed forms and vocabulary to others (like "someone's active vocabulary")?

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They are two different things.

The dictionary is a book (or series of books) that lists all words in alphabetical order with pronunciation, definitions, classifications (noun, verb, adjective) and if it's bilingual (E.G. English-[other language]) it gives the translation.

The vocabulary is not an object, it's that collection of words used in a given language. It can also indicate the amount of words known by a certain person (E.G. John has such a wide vocabulary!).

EDIT: I wrote that lexicon is a synonym of vocabulary, and it is, but Rhodri made me notice that it's also a synonym of dictionary. So I investigated a bit and, as I was suspecting, it has a restricted use, which is still right though... From the OED:


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Interesting. I had always used "lexicon" only in the (apparently rare) sense of "dictionary" rather than "vocabulary". We live and learn. –  user1579 Apr 14 '11 at 18:25
@Rhodri: Actually you're right, "lexicon" can be a synonym of both! I will add another paragraph. –  Alenanno Apr 14 '11 at 18:35
A dictionary could also be a reference book on any subject, where the items are arranged in alphabetical order. –  kiamlaluno Apr 14 '11 at 19:59
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'Dictionary' refers directly to a book compiling words and their meanings. Examples are The Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster and Collins English Dictionary.

'Vocabulary' refers to the list of words within a particular language or that an individual has in their command.

Hope that helps.

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A dictionary is a book with the definitions of words in it. Vocabulary is an intangible concept referring to a set of words. It could be a person's vocabulary meaning all the words they know, the vocabulary of a profession, or the words relevant to a lesson in a textbook

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