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.

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DSL Online

Our most comprehensive resource, DSL Online brings together the two great multi-volume dictionaries of Scots.

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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.

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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.

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Concise Scots Dictionary

The classic single-volume Scots dictionary – second edition published 2017.

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Essential Scots Dictionary

A useful compact dictionary for learners, featuring both Scots-English and English-Scots entries.

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Concise English-Scots Dictionary

For looking up English words to find the the Scots translation. Includes many examples.

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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.

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Pocket Scots Dictionary

A handy, compact dictionary.

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Dictionary of Scottish Building

This fascinating book lists many words used in the Scottish Building trade past and present.

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Scots Thesaurus

For looking up or browsing Scots words by subject, with definitions in English.
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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.