How to Look Up and Copy Word Definitions in Word for iOS
Question details
The user wants to look up word definitions in the iOS Word app and copy the definition text to save into Apple Notes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Reading documents or foreign-language books on a mobile device and needing to extract definitions for studying.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Look Up' feature successfully displays definitions, but a recent app update removed the ability to select and copy the definition text directly.
Ensure your iOS device has an active internet connection to retrieve dictionary results, and verify that you have downloaded the appropriate language dictionaries in your iOS settings.
Use the Built-in 'Look Up' Feature
Follow these steps to access the iOS native dictionary and view word definitions directly within your Word document.
Long-press the specific word you want to define in your document until it is highlighted.
When the floating text selection menu appears, tap the right arrow (>) icon to reveal additional options.
Tap 'Look Up' from the menu. A panel will slide up displaying the dictionary definition, synonyms, and related web search results.
Use the iOS Live Text Workaround to Copy Definitions
Since direct copying is disabled in the app, you can use the iOS Live Text feature to extract the definition text from a screenshot.
Submit Feedback for Feature Restoration
Report the missing functionality to Microsoft to request the return of the copy definition feature and better integration with iOS shortcuts.
Try WPS Office for a Better Mobile Reading Experience
If missing features in Microsoft Word interrupt your reading and studying workflow on iOS, switch to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with native iOS text selection tools, making studying and document review effortless.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store.
- 2. Open your document: Launch the app and open your document or foreign-language book.
- 3. Look up and interact: Long-press any word to utilize native iOS text tools for a smoother lookup and reading experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the copy definition feature disappear from Word on iOS?
A recent update to the Microsoft Word iOS app changed how the 'Look Up' interface renders text. This UI change removed the standard text-selection behavior, preventing users from copying the definition directly.
Can I highlight words while looking them up in Word for iOS?
There is no single button to highlight and look up simultaneously. You must first select the word, apply a highlight color using the toolbar on the Home tab, and then long-press the word again to use the 'Look Up' feature.
Is there a shortcut to send Word definitions directly to Apple Notes?
Because the Word app currently blocks copying from the Look Up menu, native iOS shortcuts cannot extract the text directly. You must rely on the screenshot and Live Text workaround to move definitions into Notes.
