How to use a new offline dictionary with the OverDrive app

The OverDrive app has limited availability. If you can't use the OverDrive app, we encourage you to try our newer reading app, Libby. Get started with Libby on Android, iOS, Fire tablets, or in your browser.

If you're using OverDrive for Fire tablets, Android, or iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch) or you've installed OverDrive for Chromebook from the Google Play store, you can install additional dictionaries to use in the app.

Fire tablets, Android, and Chromebook

1. Install one of the dictionary apps from Google Play (we like Livio or ColorDict) or the Amazon App Store (we like Livio).
   Note: You'll need to use one of Livio's offline dictionaries (English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German). The OverDrive app will not recognize Livio's "Online Dictionary" app.
2. Launch the dictionary app so it can index (load all the words and definitions). If prompted, tap OK to continue.
3. Exit the dictionary app.
4. Launch the OverDrive app and open an ebook from the app bookshelf.
5. Tap and hold a word.
6. On Android 5: Open the dictionary drop-down menu, select the offline dictionary, then tap the magnifying glass.
   
   On Android 6 and up: Tap , then Define (Dictionary name) to define the word in your offline dictionary.
   

Each time you define a word, you can select the dictionary you'd like to use.

iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch)

You can download language dictionaries to use while reading an ebook in the OverDrive app on an iOS device.

1. From your home screen, go to Settings > General > Dictionary.
2. Tap the name of a dictionary to download it. Downloaded dictionaries will have a check next to them.
   
3. Once you've added a dictionary, launch the OverDrive app and open an ebook on your app bookshelf.
4. Tap and hold a word, then select Look Up.
   

The app will show relevant results from any installed dictionary.