def.nvim

def.nvim is a lightweight Neovim plugin for quickly looking up word definitions, examples, synonyms, and antonyms directly in a floating window. It supports word history, favorites, random word exploration, and integrates with Telescope for a smoother experience.

this plugin was made for my neovim config.. so there are probably bigger, better, actively maintained plugins than this.

Compatibility

Operating System	Status
Windows	✅ Tested
Linux	⚠️ Untested
macOS	⚠️ Untested
Other Unix-like	⚠️ Untested

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Features

• Lookup the definition of any word under the cursor or via input.
• Display pronunciations (IPA) and examples.
• Highlight keywords, definitions, synonyms, and antonyms in a readable floating window.
• Add words to favorites for quick reference.
• View a history of previously looked-up words.
• Fetch a random word of the day (WOTD) for vocabulary building.
• Integrates with Telescope for history and favorites search.
• Minimal dependencies — uses native Neovim APIs and Lua.

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Installation

Using lazy.nvim

{
  "thesignumt/def.nvim",
  dependencies = {"nvim-telescope/telescope.nvim"},
  opts = {
    -- your opts
  },
  config = function(_, opts)
    require('def').setup(opts)
  end
}

Using packer.nvim

use {
  "thesignumt/def.nvim",
  requires = {"nvim-telescope/telescope.nvim"},
  config = function()
    require("def").setup()
  end
}

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Preview

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Usage

Lookup word under cursor

require("def").lookup("word")

Prompt for a word

require("def").lookup("lookup")

Word of the day (random word)

require("def").lookup("wotd")

Show history

require("def").lookup("history")

Show favorites

require("def").lookup("favorites")

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Keymaps in the floating window

• q / <Esc> → Close the window
• ? → Show help keymaps
• ga → Add the current word to favorites
• gA → Remove the current word from favorites

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Configuration

Configure floating window dimensions in setup():

require("def").setup({
  cmd = true,   -- user command :Def
  width = 80,   -- max width of floating window
  height = 40,  -- max height of floating window
})

These are the default configuration options.

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Dependencies

• Neovim 0.8+
• Lua
• curl command-line tool (for fetching word definitions)
• Telescope.nvim (optional but recommended)

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Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Submit bug reports, feature requests, or pull requests. Follow Neovim Lua best practices and maintain consistent code style.

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License

MIT License