How to get quick access to dictionary definitions using Spotlight on MacOS
Today I learnt …
I wanted to look up Apple’s definition of ‘helpful software’
It’s 2014 and I want to check the spelling of a word. I’m on my MacBook, so I can simply hit Command-Space and search for the word with Spotlight. Because I’ve configured dictionary definitions to appear at the top of Spotlight results (using the UI shown here), the word appears right at the top of the list. I love computers!
It’s 2015 and Apple have released El Capitan (aka OS X 10.11). I want to check the spelling of a word. I’m on my MacBook, so I hit Command-Space and search for the word with Spotlight. Unfortunately, I’m no longer allowed to configure the order of Spotlight search results, so instead I scroll through results for web pages, documents, photos, emails, system preferences, and more, before finally finding the dictionary definition. I hate computers!
It’s 2025 and I’m still annoyed that Apple won’t let me put dictionary definitions at the top of Spotlight search results anymore. It’s been a decade and I miss it every day. Finally, 3,650 days later, I looked for a solution.
And found one! It’s not quite as simple as it used to be, but there are a couple of keyboard shortcuts that make Spotlight search results marginally less frustrating:
- Command-L: Jump straight to the dictionary definition in the results list
- Command-D: Launch the Dictionary app with the definition open immediately
Apple maintains documentation on Spotlight keyboard shortcuts on Mac but, naturally, neither of these shortcuts are listed there. They are listed in an answer to this SuperUser thread, and the source for that, a Reddit post by a now-deleted user, lists another undocumented shortcut: Command-B to search for the term in your browser. There’s at least one other longstanding undocumented shortcut too: Command-I to show the Get Info dialogue for files and folders (I discovered this in this OSXDaily post from 2012).
The broader issue here is symptomatic of modern Apple: removing power-user features in favour of what they think most people want, then hiding the remaining functionality behind undocumented keyboard shortcuts. But at least I can get fast access to dictionary definitions. For now.
PS. The SuperUser thread also mentions a solution to reorder Spotlight results by editing a .plist file. I tried this but couldn’t get it to work. So keyboard shortcuts it is.