Subject Guides

How to Access the Macquarie Dictionary (Australian dictionary)

[ Macquarie Dictionary sign in page for Public & State Library members]

The Macquarie Dictionary is an Australian dictionary which is considered by many to be the standard reference on Australian English. While we know that Australian English follows British English (ABC, 2011) and writers can 'default' to UK spelling, it can be good to reference a source like the Macquarie Dictionary to confirm the Australian English spelling when needed. Ordinarily, access to the Macquarie Dictionary is only possible through a paid subscription, but for students who have a membership to their local public library or the State Library of NSW, they can freely access the dictionary through the State Library's Macquarie Dictionary sign in page. 

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