Our Publications
Dictionaries of the Scots Language (DSL) publishes a range of dictionaries, from the 22 volumes that make up the content of DSL Online, via the classic single-volume Concise Scots Dictionary, right down to the handy Pocket Scots Dictionary. They cover Scots-English and English-Scots entries.
There is a Scots dictionary for everyone – browse our list and follow the links to read more about each one.
Copyright and Terms of Use
See our copyright terms here.
100 Favourite Scots Words
A selection of 100 short articles from the ‘Scots Word of the Week’ published in the Herald, including five new ones.
DSL Online
Our most comprehensive resource, DSL Online brings together the two great multi-volume dictionaries of Scots.
Scottish National Dictionary
Now available online as part of DSL Online, the Scottish National Dictionary comprises ten large volumes and covers the Scots language from 1700 onwards.
A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue
Covering the language of Scotland up to the year 1700, A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue comprises 12 large volumes and is now available as part of DSL Online.
Concise Scots Dictionary
The classic single-volume Scots dictionary – second edition published 2017.
Essential Scots Dictionary
A useful compact dictionary for learners, featuring both Scots-English and English-Scots entries.
Concise English-Scots Dictionary
For looking up English words to find the the Scots translation. Includes many examples.
Essential English-Scots Dictionary online
For looking up English words to find the the Scots equivalent online. Includes a full-text search function and a Scots sounds and spellings page with audio clips.
Essential Scots-English Dictionary online
Provides definitions for words and meanings only or mainly found in Scotland. Publishes the contents of the award-winning Scots Dictionary for Schools app online.
Pocket Scots Dictionary
A handy, compact dictionary.
Dictionary of Scottish Building
This fascinating book lists many words used in the Scottish Building trade past and present.
Scots Thesaurus
For looking up or browsing Scots words by subject, with definitions in English.
Read more…
Scots Dictionary for Schools app
An easy-to-use app based on the Essential Scots Dictionary. New edition launched 2021, with improved content and 600 pronunciation guides.
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Słownik podstawowy szkocko-polski / Essential Scots-Polish Dictionary
This free and handy guide to everyday Scots provides meanings in Polish for 9,500 Scots words and phrases.
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Scots Predictive Keyboard
SLD teamed up with Swiftkey, to produce a Scots predictive keyboard for Android and iPhones.
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MacWordle
Test and expand your Scots vocabulary.
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The works of J. K. Annand
DSL holds the copyright of the works of J. K. Annand.
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Aitken 100
Leading Scottish writers pay tribute to our Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue.
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Other publications
See our other publications in or about Scots here.
