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Vocabulary.com

By Vocabulary.com, a division of IXL Learning. Visit Vocabulary.com

Desk research from the maker's own pages. Not yet tried by us. Checked 2026-10-24.

An online dictionary with friendly, plain-language explanations, plus VocabTrainer, an adaptive game that quizzes learners on words and brings back the ones they miss until they are mastered. Teachers assign word lists for thousands of books and topics, run live team games called Vocab Jams, and enter classes in the national Vocabulary Bowl. Learners can subscribe for extra features, including SAT, ACT, TOEFL and GRE word programs.

Our take: A good pick for middle and high schoolers building vocabulary or prepping for tests; younger children are better served through a school account.

The facts
Ages it suitsabout 10-18 and adults (middle school, high school, test prep)
What its terms say about ageIt is sold only to adults. Anyone under 18 may use it only with a parent's or guardian's involvement and consent, or at a school's direction. Children under 13 cannot register directly; they get a limited feature set, and schools must consent for them under COPPA. (terms)
PriceFree, with paid extras. Free dictionary and basic practice; a learner subscription (price shown at checkout) includes SAT, ACT, TOEFL and GRE programs, each listed at $29.95; school and district plans by quote with a free teacher trial (USD, Oct 2026).
Works onWeb, iPhone and iPad
AccountA school account
AdsNot stated
In-app purchasesNone
The AI in itNo generative AI found on the maker's pages; an adaptive algorithm picks which words and questions each learner sees.

What's good

  • Clear, friendly word explanations
  • Adaptive practice brings back missed words
  • Word lists matched to books students read
  • Team games and a national competition

Watch for

  • Competition and leaderboards may stress some kids
  • Learner subscription price not shown up front
  • Evidence comes from the maker
  • Under-13s only through a school

Data and privacy

Vocabulary.com says it will not sell personal information or use it for targeted advertising, gives children under 13 a limited feature set, and follows FERPA and COPPA with schools. It uses third-party analytics such as Google Analytics. Read the privacy policy.

Does it work?

The maker's own studies only, such as a Wisconsin middle school where 7th and 8th graders whose teachers used it with fidelity showed almost double the yearly ELA test gains. No independent trial found.

In the Big Index

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Where these facts come from

Prices, terms and features change. Nobody paid to be listed, nothing here is an affiliate link, and Peabody never rates itself. Where we and the maker disagree, the maker's own pages are the ones to trust.