A glossary is a collection of words about a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it's a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader.

​

Your glossary only needs to include terms that your reader may not be familiar with, and it's intended to enhance their understanding of your work. Glossaries are not mandatory, but if you use a lot of technical or field-specific terms, it may improve readability to add one.

​

If you do choose to include a glossary, it should go at the beginning of your document, just after the table of contents and (if applicable) a list of tables and figures or a list of abbreviations. It's helpful to place your glossary at the beginning, so your readers can familiarize themselves with key terms relevant to your thesis or dissertation topic before reading your work. Remember that glossaries are always in alphabetical order.

​

To help you get started, download our glossary template in the format of your choice below.

​

Tip

​

If you only have a few terms that you think need further explanation, consider adding them to your footnotes instead. This saves your reader the effort of flipping back and forth to the glossary. However, proceed with caution here, as not every style guide allows the use of footnotes.

Citing sources for your glossary

​

Glossaries and definitions often fall into the category of common knowledge, meaning that they don't necessarily have to be cited.

​

However, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to citing your sources, to avoid accidental plagiarism.

​

If you'd prefer to cite just in case, you can follow guidance for citing dictionary entries in MLA or APA Style for citations in your glossary. Remember that direct quotes should always be accompanied by a citation.

​

Additional lists to include in your dissertation

​

In addition to the glossary, you can also include a list of tables and figures and a list of abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation if you choose.

​

Include your lists in the following order:

​

• Table of contents

• List of figures and tables

• List of abbreviations

• Glossary

​

Tip

​

Don't forget to include your glossary in your table of contents!

​

CR: George, T. (2023, July 18). What Is a Glossary? | Definition, Templates, & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 14, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/glossary-of-a-dissertation/