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Our ASL dictionary includes over 2,300 words and phrases from our Complete 4-Level ASL Course.

This means that if you learn this essential vocabulary from our ASL dictionary, you can start having basic conversations in sign language before you know it!

Keep in mind, though, that you also need to learn ASL syntax and grammar in order to communicate correctly in American Sign Language, so don’t forget to check out our complete American Sign Language course options where you can learn American Sign Language and not just vocabulary!

If you’re not able to join our Complete 4-Level ASL Course just yet, you can focus on learning the words in this ASL dictionary and you will have a great foundation for becoming fluent in American Sign Language when you’re ready!

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The Best Sign Language Dictionary Recommendations

Want to learn even more vocabulary? A hard copy sign language dictionary is always great to have around as you are learning American Sign Language! We have checked out many dictionaries and read their reviews. There are a lot of good dictionaries out there, but, from what we have found, the best ones are listed below.

Please note that when you choose to purchase through the external links on this website (in many but not all cases) we will receive a referral commission. However, this commission does not influence the information we provide in this site. We always give honest opinions and reviews to share our findings, beliefs, and/or experiences. You can view our full disclosure on this page.

Religious Signing: A Comprehensive Guide For All Faiths If you want to learn religious signs, or plan to interpret church services, this book is wonderful! It’s a great comprehensive guide and is easy to understand. We highly recommend it!
American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition This is a huge ASL dictionary and explains more than 5,000 signs and has over 8,000 illustrations. You definitely need to have a dictionary like this if you are learning American Sign Language! When you want to look up an obscure word, it’s most likely in here!
The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language This is a very popular ASL dictionary. The book includes over 3,000 signs and comes with a DVD. You are able to type in a word on the DVD and the word comes up with a video in ASL. It is great for both beginners and seasoned signers. Highly recommended!
The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary This is a great resource in that the dictionary is organized by handshape, not by word. This way, when you see a sign, you are able to look it up to learn what it means. We highly recommend this book for the ASL learner.
Random House Webster’s American Sign Language Dictionary This dictionary is a great resource to have. It not only illustrates vocabulary in ASL (the pictures are good, but not the best), but also idiomatic expressions. Knowing expressions like these is very important when engaging in an actual conversation with a Deaf person. We recommend this dictionary for anyone learning sign language.
Random House Webster’s American Sign Language Medical Dictionary Medical terminology is always the most difficult to learn and find. I don’t think I ever really learned medical terms in ASL from taking a class. Therefore, this book is a must-have resource!
Signs of Drug Use: An Introduction to Some Drug and Alcohol Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language This book is a must for any interpreter, healthcare professional, counselor, psychologist, or educator involved with the Deaf population. It is very comprehensive and presents numerous signs and approaches for each drug and alcohol related concept. This book is not for beginners, but is a wonderful vocabulary tool for those already familiar with ASL linguistics.
Signs of Sexual Behavior: An Introduction to Some Sex-Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language This book is a must for any interpreter, healthcare professional, counselor, psychologist, or educator involved with the Deaf population. It is very comprehensive and presents numerous signs and approaches for each sex related concept. This book is not for beginners, but is a wonderful vocabulary tool for those already familiar with ASL linguistics.
Signs of Health (BSL) Pocket Medical Sign Language This is a great book for any interpreter, healthcare professional, counselor, psychologist, or educator involved with the Deaf population. It is a pocket-sized dictionary and is a wonderful medical vocabulary tool for those already familiar with ASL linguistics.
Compact Visual Dictionary of Expressive Worship This is a very comprehensive dictionary that includes signs, gestures, body movements, and more for presentations and the performing arts.
ASL in Motion Dictionary (DVD) Here is a DVD sign language dictionary (if you were looking for one). Instead of a book or software, this DVD would work just as well as an ASL dictionary.
Ward’s Natural Sign Language Thesaurus of Useful Signs and Synonyms A great sign language thesaurus and probably the only one available!

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