Remove Dictionary from Spotlight on macOS
Disable Dictionary results in Spotlight search using System Settings or a Terminal command.
Remove Dictionary from Spotlight on macOS
Dictionary definitions cluttering your Spotlight results? Remove them using System Settings or Terminal.
Solution
System Settings Method
Open System Settings → Spotlight (or Siri & Spotlight), then uncheck Dictionary under Spotlight Search Results.
Terminal Method
Disable Dictionary results:
1
2
defaults write com.apple.spotlight DictionaryLookupEnabled NO
sudo killall Spotlight
Re-enable later by replacing NO with YES.
When to Use
- Dictionary definitions interfere with file/app searches
- Prefer direct Dictionary app access over Spotlight integration
- Need command-line configuration for automation or scripts
The Dictionary app remains installed and accessible directly.
☕ Support My Work
If you found this post helpful and want to support more content like this, you can buy me a coffee!
Your support helps me continue creating useful articles and tips for fellow developers. Thank you! 🙏
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.