Lexicographer Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Lexicographer includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Research and identify new words that are in common usage for inclusion in the dictionary
  • Create new entries using accurate and succinct definitions
  • Check and proofread entries
  • Make sure that the style and format of words is in strict accordance with previously agreed protocols
  • Translate words and expressions in both directions (as a bilingual lexicographer).
  • Accurately represent the various meanings of new and existing words
  • Assess which meaning of a word is the primary (most used) meaning and which meanings are secondary or less commonly used
  • Review and edit existing definitions

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Lexicographer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Lexicographer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.