A professional who researches information about words that make up language and writes and reviews definitions for publication in dictionary. Responsibilities include:

• Conducts or directs research to discover origin, spelling, syllabication, pronunciation, meaning, and usage of words.
• Organizes research material and writes dictionary definition.
• May study or conduct surveys to determine factors, such as frequency of use for a specific word, or word use by particular segment of population in order to select words for inclusion in dictionary.
• May perform related editorial duties.
• May select drawings or other graphic material to illustrate word meaning.
• May specialize in particular type of dictionary, such as medical, electronic, or industrial.