# GNOME Dictionary > DICT client written in C **Wikidata**: [Q1051907](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1051907) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gnome-dictionary ## Summary GNOME Dictionary is a free software DICT client written in C, designed to run on Linux-based operating systems. It was part of the GNOME Utilities suite until 2011 and is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later. ## Key Facts - **Software type**: DICT client written in C - **Operating system**: Linux (Unix-like) - **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later - **Part of**: GNOME Utilities (discontinued in 2011) - **Latest version**: 3.14.2 (released on 2014-11-10) - **Dependencies**: GTK and GLib - **Package names**: gnome-dictionary, gdict, gnome-dictionary-git - **Source code repositories**: [GitLab](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-dictionary) (preferred) and [cgit](https://git.gnome.org/browse/gnome-dictionary/) - **Issue trackers**: [Bugzilla](https://bugzilla.gnome.org/browse.cgi?product=gnome-dictionary) and [GitLab](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-dictionary/-/issues) - **Wikipedia languages**: Available in Italian and Japanese ## FAQs ### Q: What is GNOME Dictionary used for? A: GNOME Dictionary is a DICT client that allows users to look up words in various dictionaries over a network. It was part of the GNOME desktop environment's utilities. ### Q: Is GNOME Dictionary still maintained? A: Yes, it is still maintained, with updates available in its source code repositories. The latest version (3.14.2) was released in November 2014. ### Q: Can GNOME Dictionary be installed on other operating systems? A: While primarily designed for Linux, it may be available through ports or packages for other Unix-like systems like FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD. ### Q: What programming languages was GNOME Dictionary written in? A: It was written in C, as indicated by its description as a "DICT client written in C." ### Q: Where can I find more information about GNOME Dictionary? A: Official documentation and updates can be found on the [GNOME Wiki](https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Dictionary) and its source code repositories. ## Why It Matters GNOME Dictionary was a significant tool within the GNOME desktop environment, providing users with a simple and efficient way to access dictionary definitions over a network. As part of the GNOME Utilities suite, it contributed to the broader ecosystem of free and open-source software for Linux users. Its development continued even after its removal from the GNOME Utilities, reflecting its ongoing relevance in the Linux community. The software's reliance on the DICT protocol allowed it to integrate with existing dictionary services, making it a useful resource for language learners and researchers. Despite its discontinuation from the GNOME Utilities, GNOME Dictionary remains available through community-maintained packages and source code repositories, ensuring its continued accessibility to users. ## Notable For - **Part of GNOME Utilities**: One of the tools included in the GNOME desktop environment's utilities suite. - **DICT Protocol Support**: Implemented as a client for the DICT protocol, enabling network-based dictionary lookups. - **Cross-Platform Availability**: Available through package managers and ports for various Unix-like systems beyond Linux. - **Long-Term Maintenance**: Continued development and updates, with the latest version released in 2014. - **Free Software**: Licensed under the GNU GPL, ensuring its availability and modifiability for users. ## Body ### Overview GNOME Dictionary is a DICT client written in C, designed to run on Linux-based operating systems. It was part of the GNOME Utilities suite, which was discontinued in 2011. The software is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, making it free and open-source. ### Development and Releases GNOME Dictionary has seen multiple releases, with the latest version being 3.14.2, released on November 10, 2014. The software was developed using the C programming language and relies on GTK and GLib for its graphical interface and core functionality. The source code is available in two repositories: a cgit repository hosted by GNOME and a GitLab repository, with the latter being the preferred source. ### Availability and Maintenance GNOME Dictionary is available through various package managers and ports for different operating systems, including Linux distributions like Fedora, Ubuntu, and openSUSE, as well as Unix-like systems such as FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and NetBSD. It is also available on Arch Linux and Debian stable. The software is maintained through issue trackers on Bugzilla and GitLab, ensuring ongoing support and updates. ### Usage and Features GNOME Dictionary serves as a client for the DICT protocol, allowing users to look up words in various dictionaries over a network. It was part of the GNOME desktop environment's utilities, providing a simple and efficient way to access dictionary definitions. The software supports multiple languages, with Wikipedia entries available in Italian and Japanese. ### Historical Context GNOME Dictionary was part of the GNOME Utilities suite, which was discontinued in 2011. Despite this, the software continued to be maintained and updated, with the latest version released in 2014. This reflects its ongoing relevance and usefulness within the Linux community. The software's availability through community-maintained packages and source code repositories ensures its continued accessibility to users. ## References 1. [Source](https://openhub.net/p/gnome-dictionary) 2. [Source](https://git.gnome.org/browse/) 3. [gnome-dictionary - Look up words in dictionary sources](https://git.gnome.org/browse/gnome-dictionary/refs/tags) 4. [Release Dictionary 40.0 (stable)](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-dictionary/-/releases#40.0) 5. [Source](https://git.gnome.org/browse/gnome-dictionary/plain/NEWS) 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. [Apps/Dictionary - GNOME Wiki!](https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Dictionary)