sdcv is a free command-line program for looking up words in dictionaries that use the StarDict format. It can search from a terminal prompt or interactively, and supports exact, fuzzy, full-text, and regular-expression searches. You need to obtain compatible dictionary files separately: installing sdcv does not provide dictionary content.
What sdcv does
The sdcv project describes it as a text-based utility for working with StarDict-format dictionaries. It is a terminal interface to dictionary data—not a dictionary collection, graphical dictionary app, or language-learning course. Its searches and output options depend on the dictionary files you install.
For example, you can use it for a quick word lookup at a shell prompt, browse results in an interactive session, or send JSON results to another program. The upstream project and manual document these capabilities in the sdcv repository and manual page.
Install sdcv and add dictionary data
Install sdcv using a package manager available for your operating system, or build it from the upstream source. The project’s README gives a CMake build path: configure a build directory, run make, optionally build language files when NLS is enabled, then run make install. Follow the project and your operating system’s current instructions for exact commands and dependencies.
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Package availability varies by platform and can change. At the time represented by the cited package listings, Homebrew listed version 0.5.5 with bottles for specified macOS and Linux environments, and Fedora listed version 0.5.5-1 for Rawhide and Fedora 42, 43, and 44. These are package records, not a guarantee of availability on every operating system. See the Homebrew formula and Fedora package record for their current listings.
After installing the program, obtain dictionary files that are compatible with StarDict and place them in a location sdcv searches. The manual documents system and XDG data locations, along with two ways to use a custom location:
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- Set the
STARDICT_DATA_DIRenvironment variable. - Pass
--data-dirwhen running sdcv.
For a script or other task that should search only the selected location, use --only-data-dir. Check the manual for directory details and supported dictionary selection behavior. A printed dictionary or unrelated digital dictionary format does not become StarDict data just because you have installed sdcv.
Look up words from the terminal
Search using an argument
Pass a word or phrase as an argument to look it up. For example, sdcv word searches for “word.” Use -n for non-interactive operation, which is useful when a command should run and return rather than wait for more input.
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Search interactively
Run sdcv without a search term to enter interactive mode, then enter words at the prompt. Press Ctrl+D to exit. Up- and down-arrow history is available when the build includes readline support.
Choose dictionaries and inspect what is installed
-llists available dictionaries.-urestricts a lookup to a named dictionary.-erequests exact matches.
These options control how sdcv searches or selects among installed dictionaries; they do not change the content or quality of the dictionary data itself. Consult the manual’s option list for current syntax and additional controls.
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Choose a search mode
The manual documents several search modes. In interactive use, the leading characters below select a mode:
| Input | Search mode | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
/term |
Fuzzy search | When you want sdcv to look for a close match. |
|term |
Full-text search | When you want to search dictionary text, rather than only look up a headword. |
?pattern or *pattern |
Regular-expression search | When a pattern is more useful than a literal word. |
-e |
Exact matching | When you want exact matches instead of broader matching. |
Exact option and prompt syntax can depend on how a mode is invoked; use the manual page for the full command-line forms. A search mode determines how sdcv looks through the installed data, not what definitions the dictionary contains.
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Use sdcv in scripts and pipelines
For automation, combine non-interactive use (-n) with JSON output (-j or --json). JSON is useful when another program needs to parse results instead of displaying terminal-formatted text.
The upstream README demonstrates an integration using sdcv, fzf, and jq to select among dictionary names and preview a lookup. Those are separate utilities; they are not bundled with sdcv. The project also records JSON support among its features, and its NEWS file provides release-history context.
Is sdcv right for you?
- Choose it if you are comfortable using a terminal, have StarDict-compatible data, and want command-line lookup or scriptable results.
- Consider another interface if you need a graphical app or do not want to manage dictionary files and data directories yourself.
- Check compatibility first if you depend on a particular dictionary format or operating system. The cited package listings establish selected Homebrew and Fedora availability, not universal platform support or support for other dictionary formats.
The upstream README identifies the project as GPL-2.0, while the cited Homebrew and Fedora package records describe licensing as GPL-2.0-or-later. For redistribution or other licensing questions, consult the project’s license file and the relevant package terms.
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