Open the Dictionary Beside the Text
Dictionary opens definitions, translations, and related actions beside the words you are reading. Choose hover, selected text, a shortcut, macOS Services, or OCR according to the text in front of you.
Hover for a quick meaning
Place the pointer over a word or phrase and read its meaning and translation beside the original sentence.
Select text for more actions
Select a word, sentence, or paragraph to open lookup, translation, and rewrite actions with the original context visible.
Use a shortcut or macOS Services
Select text and use the configured shortcut or the macOS Services menu to open Dictionary from the current app.
Use OCR for text in the picture
Draw a region around a screenshot, subtitle, image, video frame, or scanned page. OCR turns the visible words into text for lookup and translation.
Save useful results
Lookup results enter history for later search and review.
Related guides
FAQ
Where does Dictionary show the result?
Dictionary opens the meaning, translation, and text actions beside the words you are reading.
How can I open Dictionary?
Use hover, text selection, a keyboard shortcut, macOS Services, or OCR.
Where can I find an earlier lookup?
Dictionary saves useful lookups in searchable history for later review.