You are reading a document in Word and come across an unfamiliar word. Instead of switching to a web browser or dictionary app, you can use Smart Lookup to find a definition instantly. Smart Lookup is a built-in research tool that pulls definitions, Wikipedia summaries, and web search results without leaving your document. This article explains how Smart Lookup works, the requirements for using it, and step-by-step instructions to define any word in Word.
Key Takeaways: Using Smart Lookup to Define Words in Word
- Right-click a word > Smart Lookup: Opens the Insights pane with definitions and web results for the selected word.
- Review tab > Smart Lookup: Alternative method to open the same pane for any selected text.
- Bing-powered search: Smart Lookup requires an active internet connection and uses Bing to fetch definitions and related content.
What Is Smart Lookup and How Does It Work
Smart Lookup is a research feature in Word for Microsoft 365 and Word for the web. It combines dictionary definitions, online encyclopedia entries, and web search results into a single pane called the Insights pane. When you select a word and launch Smart Lookup, Word sends the selected text to Bing. Bing returns a definition from a trusted dictionary source, a Wikipedia snippet if available, and top web search results. The entire process happens in a sidebar, so you never leave your document.
Smart Lookup is not available in all versions of Word. It requires Word for Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) on Windows, Mac, or the web. Word 2019 and earlier standalone versions do not include Smart Lookup. You also need an active internet connection because the feature performs live web searches. If you are offline, Smart Lookup will show an error message.
Smart Lookup does not store your search history or personal data locally. The search is handled through Microsoft’s Bing service, and your privacy is governed by the Microsoft Privacy Statement. No changes are made to your document when you use Smart Lookup.
How to Use Smart Lookup to Define a Word
You can start Smart Lookup from two places: the right-click context menu or the Review tab. Both methods open the same Insights pane. Choose the method that is faster for your workflow.
Method 1: Using the Right-Click Context Menu
- Select the word you want to define
Place your cursor anywhere inside the word, or double-click the word to highlight it. You can also select a phrase by clicking and dragging across the text. - Right-click the selected word
A context menu appears with options such as Copy, Cut, and Paste. Scroll down the menu or look near the bottom. - Choose Smart Lookup from the context menu
Click Smart Lookup. The Insights pane opens on the right side of the Word window. The pane shows a Definition section, an Explore section with web results, and a Wikipedia section if applicable. - Read the definition
The Definition section displays the word type (noun, verb, adjective) and one or more definitions. Scroll down to see example sentences and related phrases.
Method 2: Using the Review Tab
- Select the word you want to define
Highlight the word or phrase by double-clicking or clicking and dragging. - Go to the Review tab
Click the Review tab in the ribbon at the top of the Word window. The Review tab contains proofing and research tools. - Click Smart Lookup in the Insights group
In the Insights section of the Review tab, click the Smart Lookup button (it looks like a lightbulb with a magnifying glass). The Insights pane opens on the right side. - Review the results
The pane shows the same Definition, Explore, and Wikipedia sections as the right-click method. Click any link in the Explore section to open the full webpage in your default browser.
Common Issues When Using Smart Lookup
Smart Lookup Is Grayed Out or Missing
If the Smart Lookup button is grayed out or does not appear in the context menu, your version of Word likely does not support it. Smart Lookup is only available in Word for Microsoft 365. Word 2016, 2019, or perpetual license versions do not have this feature. To check your version, go to File > Account > About Word. If you see Microsoft 365 in the product name, Smart Lookup should work.
Smart Lookup Shows an Error About No Internet Connection
Smart Lookup requires an active internet connection. If you see a message that says “No internet connection” or “Something went wrong,” check your network status. Open a web browser and try loading a website. If the browser works, close Word and reopen it. If the error persists, your organization’s firewall or proxy settings may block Bing searches. Contact your IT administrator for help.
Smart Lookup Returns No Definitions for a Word
Some uncommon or newly coined words may not have definitions in Smart Lookup’s dictionary source. If the Definition section is empty, check the Explore section. The Explore section shows web search results that may include dictionary sites or forum discussions. You can click any result to open the page in your browser.
Smart Lookup vs Traditional Dictionary Tools in Word
| Item | Smart Lookup | Traditional Dictionary (Thesaurus pane) |
|---|---|---|
| Data source | Bing web search, Wikipedia, online dictionary | Local Word dictionary (installed with Office) |
| Internet required | Yes | No |
| Definitions shown | Yes, with word type and examples | No, Thesaurus shows synonyms only |
| Wikipedia results | Yes, if available | No |
| Web search links | Yes, clickable results | No |
| Available in Word 2019 | No | Yes |
| Available in Word for Microsoft 365 | Yes | Yes |
If you need a quick synonym without leaving your document, the Thesaurus pane is faster and works offline. But for a full definition with context and web sources, Smart Lookup is the better choice.
You can now define any word in your document without switching to a browser. Use the right-click menu for speed or the Review tab when you are already working in that ribbon area. For words that return no definition, try the Explore section for web results. If you work offline often, consider installing a local dictionary add-in from the Office Store as a backup.