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The simplest way to add a glossary or dictionary to WordPress is to create a regular Page, enter your terms and definitions in the block editor, publish it, and add it to your site navigation. You do not need a plugin for a manually maintained list. Use a glossary plugin if you specifically need features such as a separately managed term library, an automatically generated index, search, tooltips, or links to definitions in other content.
Choose a manual page or a glossary plugin
A WordPress Page suits lasting reference content that is not part of the date-ordered flow of blog posts. For a short glossary, a page with clear headings and definitions is usually the most direct option. WordPress documents the standard page workflow under Create pages.
| Option | How terms are managed | Display and discovery | Useful when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual glossary Page | You add and edit terms in the page itself. | Headings, paragraphs, and lists; visitors find the page through site navigation. | You want a straightforward list and are comfortable maintaining it by hand. |
| Glossary plugin | Depending on the plugin, terms may be managed in a separate interface. | May provide a generated list, a block or shortcode, alphabetical navigation, search, automatic links, or tooltips. Features vary by plugin. | You need particular navigation or linking features, or expect to manage many terms. |
Shortcodes and glossary blocks are plugin-provided features, not built-in WordPress glossary tools. The WordPress block editor uses blocks as content elements, and plugins can add more; see the WordPress Block Editor documentation.
Create a glossary page without a plugin
- Open the page editor. In your dashboard, go to Pages > Add New. The page editor is the documented standard route.
- Name the page. Use a direct title such as Glossary or Dictionary. You can add a brief opening sentence explaining what the terms cover.
- Add terms and definitions. In the block editor, give each term a heading followed by a paragraph explaining it. For a longer list, you can group entries beneath letter headings or subject headings and use list blocks where appropriate. WordPress’s editor supports common text and layout blocks; consult the block editor overview if you need help working with blocks.
- Preview and publish. Check that headings, definitions, and links read as intended, then publish the page. WordPress’s page-creation guide covers the publishing workflow.
- Add it to navigation. Add the published page to your site’s navigation so visitors can find the reference section. The available navigation controls depend on your site’s theme and setup; the WordPress Pages documentation explains adding a page to navigation.
Keep a growing glossary usable
Use the same entry pattern throughout—for example, term as a heading and definition as the paragraph beneath it. When the page grows, alphabetic or topical groupings can make scanning easier. These are editorial choices, not special WordPress requirements; maintain the page by updating its content when a term changes or a new one is needed.
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- Revised and updated edition of the best-selling dictionary covering core vocabulary with over a hundred new entries and senses
- Book contains 960 pages
- ISBN: 9780877790952
- Features more than 75000 definitions and over 8000 usage examples to aid understanding
When a plugin is worth considering
A plugin can help when manually editing one long page no longer meets the way visitors need to browse or encounter terms. First decide which capability matters: a dedicated term-management screen, an alphabetical list, A–Z navigation, live search, automatic links in posts and pages, tooltips, categories, or controls over where terms are linked. Then check that the specific plugin offers the feature you need.
The WordPress.org directory has a glossary plugin tag with multiple options, including Heroic Glossary and CM Tooltip Glossary. A tag listing is a place to compare candidates, not an endorsement or guarantee of compatibility with your WordPress installation.
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- Provides quick, reliable answers to your questions about words
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Examples of listed plugin features
These are feature descriptions from the plugins’ WordPress.org listings, not independent performance or accessibility assessments:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- My WP Glossary describes a Glossary block, a
[glossary]shortcode, automatic links to definitions in posts and pages, and Schema.orgDefinedTermSetstructured data. Its listing says to add definitions in the Glossary Admin Menu, create a host page, and insert the block or shortcode there. - Glossary Tooltip describes a
[glossary_list]shortcode for an alphabetical index, with optional A–Z navigation and live search. Its listing also describes automatic term detection and links, tooltips, categories, synonyms, aliases, and controls for individual posts or terms. - Glossary by Codeat describes free and PRO versions and says terms can be grouped in a glossary or dictionary section and automatically linked from posts and pages. Check its current product information for the present feature split.
Do not assume that a feature in one plugin is available in another, or that a plugin’s structured data guarantees search visibility or better rankings. Review the current plugin listing and vendor documentation for the details relevant to your site.
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Install and add a plugin glossary
- Compare candidates. From the dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, or use the WordPress.org glossary tag. Check current documentation, compatibility information, maintenance activity, support, export or migration options, and whether the feature you need is free or paid.
- Install and activate your choice. Follow the plugin’s own installation and setup directions. The exact controls and workflow differ by plugin.
- Create the glossary content. Use the plugin’s term-management interface if it has one. For example, My WP Glossary’s listing directs users to add definitions in its Glossary Admin Menu.
- Insert the glossary into a page. Use the block or shortcode specified by the plugin. My WP Glossary lists a Glossary block and
[glossary]; Glossary Tooltip lists[glossary_list]for its index. These tags are specific to those plugins, not interchangeable WordPress commands. - Preview and check the result. Confirm that the index, search or navigation, and term links behave as you intend on desktop and mobile. Then add the page to site navigation.
Check portability and ongoing costs before committing
Export and migration support is not universal. Glossary Tooltip’s listing describes JSON settings backup or migration and WordPress export/import support; do not assume another plugin supports the same routes. Verify how you could move or retain your terms if you switch tools, and check current pricing and feature limits with the plugin provider before relying on a paid capability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which WordPress screen should you use?
For most sites, use Pages > Add New to create the glossary. WordPress also documents page management in Appearance > Editor > Pages, but that Site Editor Pages interface is available when a block theme is installed and active. It is not the universal route for every WordPress site; see Site Editor Pages.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Childrens Elementary Dictionary
- Made from high quality materialSpecifications
- Grade: Grade 3-5
- Age: 8-11 years
- Weight: 4.11 lbs
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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