GoldenDict

GoldenDict is a free, open-source dictionary lookup program for people who want to combine local reference files with web lookups. It suits language learners, translators and readers who are willing to assemble their own dictionary library. Its breadth of formats and quick lookup tools are compelling, but the separate work of sourcing dictionaries is part of the deal.

Overview

GoldenDict brings multiple dictionary sources into one lookup workflow: it can search supported local dictionaries, web reference sites and websites configured with URL templates. Offline access makes it useful when a connection is unavailable, provided the relevant local dictionary content is installed.

The original program is free software under the GNU GPLv3+ license. Its strength is flexibility rather than a bundled reference collection: for Windows, the installer does not include local dictionaries, which users must download separately.

Key features

• Broad dictionary support: GoldenDict works with Babylon BGL, StarDict, dictd and ABBYY Lingvo DSL files, as well as Lingvo audio archives. That range helps users bring existing reference collections together, though users still need to obtain the content they want.
• Web lookups: Wikipedia, Wiktionary and other MediaWiki sites are supported, alongside arbitrary websites configured through URL templates. This adds breadth without requiring every source to be a local dictionary.
• Morphology and spelling: Hunspell morphology provides word stemming and spelling suggestions, useful when a word appears in an inflected form or the query is misspelled.
• Pronunciation: Lookups can use Forvo or indexed directories of audio files, giving users a choice of web-based and local audio sources.
• Quick access: A scan popup can translate a selected word in another application. Global hotkeys can open GoldenDict or translate clipboard text, reducing the need to interrupt reading to switch tools.
• Rich articles: WebKit displays dictionary entries with formatting, colors, images and links, so entries can retain more of their original structure than plain text alone.

GoldenDict-ng adds Anki integration, a dark theme, Xapian full-text indexing and support for dictionaries larger than 4 GB. Those additions matter most to users maintaining large collections or incorporating vocabulary study into an Anki workflow.

Pricing

GoldenDict — free. The original program is free under GNU GPLv3+. Offline use is supported, but dictionary content must be downloaded separately; the Windows installer does not bundle local dictionaries.

GoldenDict mobile version — custom pricing. This is a commercial mobile version for Android. No price is given, so users considering it should not assume the desktop program’s free terms apply.

Platforms

GoldenDict is offered for Android, Linux, macOS and Windows. GoldenDict-ng provides builds for Windows and macOS, plus packages for some Linux and Unix distributions. Its requirements are Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or macOS 13 or later. Offline access is supported where the needed local dictionary content is installed.

Who it's for

GoldenDict is a strong fit for readers and language professionals who want to search several local dictionary formats alongside web references, and who value popup lookup, pronunciation sources and hotkeys. It is less suitable for someone seeking a ready-to-use offline library in the Windows installer or a fully bundled dictionary service: building a useful local collection takes separate downloads.

The project also welcomes users who want to report bugs, test, translate, code or answer questions, making it a natural choice for people who want to contribute as well as use the software.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Supports several established dictionary formats, letting users combine existing collections instead of relying on one source.
• Pros: Local dictionaries work offline, while web lookups and URL templates extend the range of references.
• Pros: Scan popup and global hotkeys make quick translation practical while reading in other applications.
• Pros: GoldenDict-ng adds Anki integration, full-text indexing and support for dictionaries over 4 GB for users with more demanding workflows.
• Cons: Windows users must download local dictionaries separately, so offline lookup is not ready immediately after installing the program.
• Cons: The mobile version is commercial, unlike the free original program, and its price is custom.
• Cons: GoldenDict-ng's stated Windows and macOS requirements rule out older versions of those operating systems.

Alternatives

For a wider selection of reference tools, browse Online Dictionaries.

• MDBG Chinese Dictionary is worth considering for its free online dictionary and learning tools; it also offers a free plan and trial.
• ABBYY Lingvo is another freemium option with a free plan and trial across Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.
• dict.cc suits readers who want free browser access for private or business use, or an app on Android or iOS.
• Larousse Dictionaries offers mostly free online reference content without prior registration; its forum requires a free account, and a premium subscription is also offered.
• Linguee is a free option for Android, iOS and web use.
• Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries offers free online access to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary and Oxford Advanced American Dictionary, along with a text checker and word lists.
• The Free Dictionary provides free online reference content spanning dictionaries, a thesaurus, encyclopedias and translations.
• WordWeb has a free Windows version subject to licensing terms, with definitions, synonyms, examples, basic AI suggestions and translations.

Verdict

Choose GoldenDict if you want a free, flexible lookup tool that can unify local dictionary files, web references, pronunciation sources and quick popup translation. Its main trade-off is the effort of sourcing local content, and the commercial Android version has custom pricing. If you want a dictionary collection bundled and ready to use, or a simpler online reference, another option may be a better fit.