Définition "vocabulary" dans le dictionnaire Collins English Dictionary & Thesaurus

vocabulary n pl , -laries

1 a listing, either selective or exhaustive, containing the words and phrases of a language, with meanings or translations into another language; glossary

2 the aggregate of words in the use or comprehension of a specified person, class, profession, etc.

3 all the words contained in a language

4 a range or system of symbols, qualities, or techniques constituting a means of communication or expression, as any of the arts or crafts
a wide vocabulary of textures and colours
(C16: from Medieval Latin vocabularium, from vocabularius concerning words, from Latin vocabulum vocable)

active vocabulary n
the total number of words a person uses in his own speech and writing
Compare → passive vocabulary

passive vocabulary n
all the words, collectively, that a person can understand
Compare → active vocabulary