37.1044, Software: HDICT - A Free and Libre Offline Dictionary Reader App (iOS and macOS)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1044. Fri Mar 13 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.1044, Software: HDICT - A Free and Libre Offline Dictionary Reader App (iOS and macOS)

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Date: 13-Mar-2026
From: Dhaval Patel [drdhaval2785 at gmail.com]
Subject: HDICT - A Free and Libre Offline Dictionary Reader App (iOS and macOS)


I am pleased to introduce HDICT, a free and libre iOS dictionary
reader app, designed for scholars who work deeply with dictionaries.
Licence - GNU GPL v3.0.
Available on the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/in/app/hdict/id6759493062
Note - If you are on an android phone, and would like to test the app,
kindly let me know off list.
Why HDICT?
Research often requires consulting multiple dictionaries across
languages and traditions—sometimes in environments where stable
internet access is not guaranteed. HDICT is built precisely for this
use case.
Offline, Open & Flexible
1. Completely free and libre
2. Offline storage of your dictionaries - No limits as to the number
of dictionaries you can add.
3. Supports StarDict, Dictd, Mdict and Slob file formats
4. No subscription model, no lock-in
5. Bring your preferred dictionaries and work entirely offline. The
app also allows you to select from a curated list of 1900 dictionaries
from across the globe.
Research-Oriented Search
1. Multi-Dictionary Search
2. View results from multiple dictionaries simultaneously
3. Clean tabbed interface for parallel comparison
4. Close individual tabs to maintain a focused workspace
5. Search Inside Definitions, not just headwords. Particularly useful
for tracing citations, gloss traditions, and semantic fields.
6 .Optimized queries for near-instant results, even with large lexica
Deep Text Exploration
1. Tap-on-Meaning
Every word inside a definition is interactive. Tap any word to
instantly look it up.
2. Nested Lookups
New lookups open in a full-width bottom popup, allowing you to explore
semantic chains without losing your place in the original entry.
3. Unicode Native
Full Unicode support ensures smooth handling of:
Flashcards & Pedagogy
1. Truly random quizzes (random words from selected dictionaries)
2. Mark answers as correct/incorrect even during review
3. Dedicated score history to track long-term progress
Customizable Scholarly Environment
1. Premium modern design with subtle micro-animations
2. Full RGB theme control (background, headings, body text)
3. Adjustable global font sizing
HDICT is designed to be a practical tool for scholars who value
openness, portability, and serious lexical work.
If you maintain or curate dictionaries in StarDict, Dictd, Mdict or
Slob formats, HDICT offers a powerful, research-focused way to access
them on mobile devices—fully offline.
I would be grateful for your valuable feedback and suggestions.
If you have a bug to report or a feature request, please feel free to
open an issue at  https://github.com/drdhaval2785/hdict/issues/new or
send an email to drdhaval2785 at gmail.com.

Linguistic Field(s): Lexicography




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LINGUIST List: Vol-37-1044
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