Slob Dictionary is a desktop dictionary application built with GTK 4 and Libadwaita.
It is designed for exploring local dictionary collections through a single polished interface, even when the source material comes in very different formats. Rather than tying users to one dictionary ecosystem, it can work with SLOB files directly and convert many other formats when necessary. Definitions can contain rich HTML or Markdown content, making it suitable for everything from straightforward word lists to complex reference works.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Fast simultaneous lookup across multiple dictionary files.
- Persistent lookup history for returning to earlier searches.
- Save favourite words and definitions with bookmarks.
- Integrates with GNOME Activities search.
- Supports custom slobdict URIs for external searches and direct lookups.
- Provides command-line lookup as an alternative to the graphical interface.
- Optional GNOME extension can look up selected text using Super+D or a four-finger gesture.
- Supports formats including Aard 2 SLOB, DICT.org, StarDict, ABBYY Lingvo DSL, FreeDict, WordNet, Yomichan, XDXF, Zim and CSV.
- Provides zoom controls, find-in-page and printing for rendered definitions.
- Follows the GNOME light or dark appearance automatically.
- Remote content access is disabled by default for privacy.
- Keyboard shortcuts are available for the main application functions.
Website: github.com/MuntashirAkon/SlobDict
Support:
Developer: Muntashir Al-Islam
License: GNU Affero General Public License v3.0

Slob Dictionary is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Dictionary Tools | |
|---|---|
| GoldenDict-ng | Advanced dictionary lookup program, supporting many formats |
| GoldenDict | Feature-rich tool offering translations of words and phrases |
| PyGlossary | Tool for converting dictionary files aka glossaries |
| OpenDict | Supports popular computer dictionary formats including Slowo and Mova |
| xfce4-dict | Client program to query dictionaries |
| SilverDict | Web-based alternative to GoldenDict |
| Wordbook | Offline English-English dictionary application built for GNOME |
| Quick Lookup | Simple GTK dictionary application |
| sdcv | Simple cross-platform text-base utility |
| AyanDict | Basic dictionary app |
| Slob Dictionary | Flexible GTK dictionary application supporting multiple dictionary formats |
| dictd | Dictionary database server implementing the DICT protocol |
| charcoal | Command line dictionary that's an alternative to wudao-dict |
| tuidict | Fast FreeDict dictionary TUI with search-as-you-type |
| rdict | Offline CLI dictionary using data from wiktionary. |
| Kotoba | Japanese – English dictionary |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
LinuxLinks helps you discover the best free and open source software for Linux. Explore our extensive collection of recommended applications, including alternatives to popular proprietary software.We also publish software reviews, Linux tutorials, hardware reviews, free programming books and articles covering the wider open source community. Browse our Linux resources to discover more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application we haven't covered? Suggest a program for inclusion. Has your software been featured on LinuxLinks? Display one of our Featured on LinuxLinks badges on your website or GitHub README. |


Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.