How to use Kindle’s Vocabulary Builder

Kindles are among the best — and most popular– e-book readers on the market. Not only can the e-ink tablet hold a ton of books, but they’re packed with educational and practical features. Kindle’s Vocabulary Builder, for example, is a lesser known built-in function that allows you save a list of words that you want to learn more about. It works side-by-side with the integrated dictionary and is great for folks looking to improve their vocabulary.

As a feature, it’s easy to access, available on most modern Kindles and has been around since at least 2019 with the release of the Kindle Kids. As a user myself, here’s more about the Vocabulary Builder, what it does, how it works, and how to use it on your Kindle.

How to access Kindle’s Vocabulary Builder

Built-in but tucked away in the settings

The feature is built-in and on by default, so you can get started with it immediately. To access Vocabulary Builder, perform the following steps:

1. Open any book
2. Click the 3-dot menu
3. Select Vocabulary Builder
4. Engage with your saved words

How to add a word to the Vocabulary Builder

Slowly curate a personal dictionary

Any time you highlight a word while you’re reading, the feature will automatically add that word to your Vocabulary Builder list. To highlight a word, simply long-press on it. Once the dictionary and other functions pop up, the word has been added to your Vocabulary Builder.

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If you want to remove a word from your list, you can simply click on the word you want to remove. Once the dictionary box pops up, hit either the Delete or Mastered buttons and the word will disappear from your list.

How to use Vocabulary Builder flashcards

Easily cycle through new words — and make it fun

Flashcards are a built-in way for you to cycle through all the words in your Builder, so you can learn even quicker. This is most effective with a larger library of words, but you can use it even if you only have one.

1. Open a book, hit the 3-dot menu button, and select Vocabulary Builder.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select the Flashcards option.
3. Once the flashcards are open, cycle through them using the arrows on the left and right sides.
4. Each flashcard lets you cycle between the usage in the context of the book you were reading when you saved it and the dictionary definition. Cycle between these using the See Definition and See usage buttons at the top of the flashcard.
5. Once you have mastered a word, click the Mark as Mastered button to remove the word from your list.

How to turn off Vocabulary Builder

Sick of using Vocabulary Builder? No problem.

1. Return to your Kindle’s home screen.
2. Hit the 3-dot menu button and select Settings.
3. Select Reading Options.
4. Toggle the Vocabulary Builder option off.
5. You can also turn the feature back on this way if it’s already off.

Which Kindles support Vocabulary Builder?

Kindle released Vocabulary Builder ages ago, so all modern Kindle e-readers should support the function. The feature first appeared on firmware version 5.4.4 on the first generation Kindle Paperwhite almost a decade ago. Of course, any Kindle which was released from then on should also have the feature.

To check your firmware, to your Kindle’s Settings menu > Device Options > Device Info. If your firmware is equal to higher than 5.4.4, you should have the Vocabulary Builder feature in some form or another on your device. However, Amazon has updated the feature multiple times over the years, so your version may not be the most modern version if you’re rocking an older Kindle that doesn’t get the latest firmware updates anymore. Note that any Kindles on firmware versions earlier than 5.4.4 do not have the feature.

Why should you use Kindle Vocabulary Builder?

The Kindle’s Vocabulary Builder is a free, built-in feature, making it an excellent tool for enhancing your vocabulary at no extra cost. It allows you to save new words you find while reading and integrates smoothly with the Kindle’s dictionary, offering a convenient way to enrich your language skills without having to subscribe to another language learning app.

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers the ultimate eReader experience with a long-lasting battery life, high definition display, and endless access to your favorite books.

Resolution

300PPI

Storage

8GB / 16GB / 32GB

Brand

Amazon

Screen Size

6.8in E-Ink display

Processor

MediaTek MT8113

RAM

512MB

Supported formats

EPUB, DOC, DOCX, HTML, RTF, TXT, and most image formats

Connections

USB-C

Battery

10 weeks

Weight

205g (8GB) / 208g (32GB)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi / Bluetooth

Front light

17 LEDs and adjustable color temperature

Dimensions

174.2 x 124.6 x 8.1mm

IP rating

IPX8

Buttons

Power button

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FAQ

Q: Why can’t I find Vocabulary Builder on my Kindle?

There are two potential reasons why you might not be able to find it. Your Kindle might be too old and doesn’t have this feature, or you’re looking in the wrong spot. Be sure to open the 3-dot menu after opening a book. The feature doesn’t appear on any of the other menus.

Q: Does the Kindle app or web reader have Vocabulary Builder?

No, they do not. You can access flashcards from the app, but this feature is only available for Kindle e-readers. Unfortunately, Amazon hasn’t done well with including the function outside of e-readers, but we hope Amazon fixes that eventually.

Q: Can I export my Vocabulary Builder library to a new device?

It is not possible to directly export your library. However, it can be done with the help of third-party apps such as Kindle Mate. Your Vocabulary Builder will automatically sync with a new Kindle e-reader on its own and does not require export.