Spanish: Dictionaries + Background Information

You get background information from reference sources, like encyclopedias and dictionaries. They are ideal for learning more about a topic or getting a good overview--you use them just like you use Wikipedia. Because they summarize information you generally can't use them in a research paper, but always check with your professor to be sure. 

Many of the entries in these background sources are written by experts, such as language professors, and they can be quite lengthy. Remember to check for recommended / related sources at the end of the entries, as these will often be prominent articles or books that will cover the topic in more detail.

Online Dictionaries

Print Dictionaries

There are some print dictionaries that you can check out in Coe Library. Click the links below to see what is available.

Spanish Language Dictionaries English

Spanish Language Dictionaries

CultureGrams is an online source that gives you basic information and statistics about the countries of the world. Click on "World Edition" and then you'll see clickable maps for each continent.