Scrabble Dictionaries
In the game of Scrabble, a dictionary is a reference book that lists all of the words that are acceptable to play in the game. Because the Scrabble dictionary is used to verify the legitimacy of words played during the game, a player may challenge the use of a word. The dictionary is then consulted to determine if the word is acceptable or not.
The official Scrabble dictionary is called the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary (OSPD). It is published by Merriam-Webster and includes all of the words that are allowed to be played in the game, along with their definitions. The Scrabble Dictionary may have some differences from a standard dictionary, such as the inclusion of certain proper nouns or colloquial terms. The OSPD is updated periodically to include new words that have entered common usage.
In addition to the OSPD, there are also a number of other dictionaries that are commonly used in Scrabble, such as the Chambers Dictionary and the Collins Scrabble Words. These dictionaries are similar to the OSPD, but may have slightly different word lists and may be used in different regions or by different Scrabble organizations.
In general, words must meet certain criteria to be included in a Scrabble dictionary. They must be at least two letters long, must not be proper nouns or abbreviations, and must be found in a standard English dictionary. Additionally, words that are derived from proper nouns or that are considered offensive or vulgar are not allowed in the game.