Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners, also known as MEDAL, is an advanced learner's dictionary first published in 2002 by Macmillan Education. It shares most of the features of this type of dictionary: it provides definitions in simple language, using a controlled defining vocabulary; most words have example sentences to illustrate how they are typically used; and information is given about how words combine grammatically or in collocations. MEDAL also introduced a number of innovations.[1][2] These include:
The Macmillan English Dictionary also existed as an electronic dictionary, available free on the Web. Like most online dictionaries,[7] it benefits from being able to update content regularly with new words and meanings. In addition to the dictionary, the online version had a thesaurus function enabling users to find synonyms for any word, phrase or meaning.[8] There was also a blog (the Macmillan Dictionary Blog) with daily postings on language issues, especially on global English and language change.[9] An "Open Dictionary"[10] allowed users to provide their own dictionary entries for new words they had come across. The online edition was recognised as a good example of this emerging genre of reference publishing.[11] The website of the electronic dictionary and the blog were closed on 30 June 2023.[12]