Google's Define Operator Changes

May 17, 2011 - 8:47 am 15 by
Filed Under Google

Google Define Operator

A Google Web Search Help thread has Googler Kelly F. finally replying to dozens of complaints on changes to how the define operator on Google works.

Back in April we reported on a define operator bug but apparently, it was Google making changes to how the operator works.

The thing is, I really do not see what has changed recently. Maybe I am missing the obvious, but all the define commands work as they did for me months ago. Plus the results seem to have no changed for me. The image above matches the format from what I screen captured in July 2010.

Kelly from Google did say they refined it but again, I don't see how any of this is new. Kelly said:

As you've noticed, we recently refined our dictionary search features, which include the define: operator among other tools. We now offer you a couple of ways to look up the definition of a word. Here are some examples:

- [define:miraculous]
- [what does miraculous mean]
- [definition of miraculous]

Each of these queries will bring up the word's definition within the results. There's no need to go to a different page! If you want a more comprehensive definition of a word, select the "More" link at the end of the definition and you'll find additional information related to your query including synonyms, pronunciation, usage examples, web definition, and more.

Update: I am told that when you used the define:word command, it would take you directly to the Google Dictionary, i.e. the "more" link and not the search results page. People really prefer that when they type define:word they are taken to the dictionary page and not search results.

Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Google SGE In Wild, Stop Doing SEO For Google, Maps & Shopping Features & Google Ads Safety Report - YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google SGE In Wild, Stop Doing SEO For Google, Maps & Shopping Features & Google Ads Safety Report

Mar 29, 2024 - 8:01 am
Google Ads

Google Ads Posted Zero New Feature Announcements In March 2024

Mar 29, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Correction: Web Stories Still Show In Google Images & Google Fixes Search Console Reporting Bug

Mar 29, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles New Add Amenity To Your Website

Mar 29, 2024 - 7:31 am
Web Analytics

New Microsoft Copilot Referrer Data In Google Analytics

Mar 29, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google

Google Search Recommendation For "Google Can Help You Stand Out"

Mar 29, 2024 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Bing Makes Facebook Data To Use, Personalized Bing Results By Facebook