I just normally plug define:text into google. Replace “text” with whatever word or phase you want and it will give results from multiple places on one page.
It gives the correct spelling, definition and alternatives if you type in the wrong spelling or don’t even know how to spell the word you are looking for.
http://dictionary.com by far. If you’re actually looking to define words, that is. If you’re looking for more ambiguous definitions, try defining with Google. http://urbandictionary.com is also quite amusing.
I second google and define:text
If you use Firefox instead of IE (which you most certainly should), you just hit CTRL+K to focus the searchbar, enter define:whatever and hit Enter. Can’t get eny easier than that :-)
I love Merriam because you can click an audio icon for pronunciation.
You can open it up in several screens, and create very effective naughty phrases by depressing them in sequence. Example: “you” “are” “a” “big” “butt” “head” is very therapeutic when your boss walks out of the room. Maybe it IS infantile. I don’t care.