These restrict where or when a definition applies. They appear before the definition in parentheses or italics.
A standard explanation of dictionary structure is useful for basic literacy but superficial for serious study. The best reviews include: What Is The Structure Of A Standard Dictionary
Recommendation
If you are teaching this topic, supplement with a real dictionary page annotation exercise. If you are researching it, move beyond textbook summaries to works by Sidney Landau (Dictionaries: The Art and Craft of Lexicography) or Henri Béjoint (Modern Lexicography). These restrict where or when a definition applies
Rating for a 500-word student review on this topic: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 – covers basics but typically misses nuance). Recommendation If you are teaching this topic, supplement
The macrostructure is the backbone of the dictionary. It determines the selection of entries and their global arrangement. Without a solid macrostructure, the dictionary is just a chaotic pile of data.
If a word is not standard English, a usage label appears in italics before the definition. These labels provide context regarding the word's appropriateness or origin.