How To: Add a Pop-Up Dictionary to Any Android App for Quick & Easy Word Definitions

When you're browsing the web, going through emails, or reading a book or magazine, you'll occasionally come across a word or phrase that you haven't seen before. This would be a perfect time to have some sort of built-in dictionary lookup service, but most Android apps lack such a feature.

In the past, we've covered a mod that adds dictionary search features to all apps on Android, but this required that your device was rooted.

Well, a new app from the development team at WordSnitch has finally brought this functionality to non-rooted devices. This means that anyone running Android 3.0 or higher can now add a handy context menu dictionary search to all apps on their system.

Step 1: Install News Dictionary

To begin, head to the Google Play Store, then search for and install News Dictionary. Alternatively, you can skip straight to the install page by using this link.

Step 2: Enable the News Dictionary Service

To enable the News Dictionary service, simply launch the app, then tap the toggle switch in the bottom-left corner. Once the service is running, you'll see a toast message that says "Copy Service On," which means you're ready to use the dictionary lookup feature.

Step 3: Use the Context Menu Dictionary Search Feature

When you want to use the dictionary lookup feature, simply open any app that has copy and paste functionality. From here, long-press any word, then tap the "Copy" button at the top of the screen.

Almost immediately, a small popup will appear at the bottom of the screen with your highlighted word's definition. If you'd like even more information about this word or phrase, tap the globe icon on this popup, then you'll be taken directly to a Google search of this term.

Additionally, all words or phrases that you've looked up will be saved within the News Dictionary app.

How often do you find yourself using your new context menu dictionary search feature? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Android Hacks' Facebook or Twitter, or Gadget Hacks' Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.